For the most part, I'm over zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre feels largely depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for months. But, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Character Growth
One of the film's strongest assets is its superb rhythm. It begins using a memorable initial scene where a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to see this household before the disaster struck.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows viewers enough opportunity to get to know the primary personalities before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift between the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family head is Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves extremely strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so invested in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, but in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film depicting us who each relative represents, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed me to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat in a genre which frequently presents individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a real surprise when things eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before making a sudden turn into shocking ground. These early moments don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting before it gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Origin
The film additionally presents a quite interesting explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a recent batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the movie devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of context, the effect this affliction has on humans is absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
Even better than the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see a few examples of questionable decision-making (as in typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like a deer in headlights as death approaches.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord when people begin transforming to the undead, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters do show appreciation for each other feel much more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound insight regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're successful scares, and since the film allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable
