Typically, I'm over zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre seems largely depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Growth
One of the film's greatest assets is its excellent pacing. It kicks off with a memorable initial scene in which a calm family party gets suddenly disrupted by a vehicle plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a look back, allowing us to see this household prior to the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with its main characters before the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has understandably caused a rift between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who loves playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch is Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film to showing us who each relative is, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat in a genre that often presents individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine shock when things finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before taking a sudden shift toward "holy shit" ground. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient time to immerse in its world prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Origin
The film additionally presents a fairly interesting reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the film devoted additional time on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited context, the effect this affliction produces on humans is utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, yet it works. 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 than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some instances of dubious decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like prey in headlights as death nears.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a pleasantly authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they decide over the phone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another seem far more sincere.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're effective scares, and because the movie gives each character enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and entertaining
