Typically, I'm over zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels mostly depleted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Growth
One of the film's strongest strengths is its superb pacing. It begins with a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a van crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is then succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family before the tragedy struck.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary personalities before the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and who loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. The family patriarch is her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two things: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so invested in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of its runtime to showing viewers the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often introduces characters only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to consume, thus it's a genuine shock when things eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid humor before taking a sudden turn into shocking ground. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in the setting before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
The film additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the film devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this condition produces on people is utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and they're almost certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
Even better than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of questionable choices (like any any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of standing still like a deer in headlights as death approaches.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, this proved a pleasantly realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains holding onto resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude for each other seem far more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message about family or society, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are effective scares, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result is an engaging and entertaining
