For the most part, I'm over zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems largely depleted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Growth
One of the film's greatest strengths is its superb pacing. It begins with a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family party gets suddenly disrupted by a vehicle plows into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like individual emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household before the disaster occurred.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters before the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a married mother with a former best friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably caused a falling out among the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family patriarch is Nes' father, the owner of a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and who appears to care about only two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot this was a horror film—which might seem like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film depicting us who each relative is, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed me to connect to the personalities sufficiently to care about their fate—a rare accomplishment for this style which frequently presents individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a real surprise once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to making an abrupt shift toward shocking ground. These introductory scenes don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in the setting before it gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
This movie additionally presents a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a recent batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this condition produces on humans is utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very convincing, and they're almost certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
Even better compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of dubious choices (like any typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her family are inventive and sharp. They also don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object is available instead of freezing like prey caught in lights as death nears.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a welcome authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters express appreciation for each other feel far more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound insight about family or society, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. Yet these are successful frights, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable
