For the most part, I'm over zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category seems largely depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. But, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Character Development
Among the film's strongest strengths is its excellent pacing. It begins with a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a vehicle crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is then followed by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household before the tragedy struck.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with its main personalities prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a former best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on Nes. The family head consists of her dad, who runs a well-known natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could sound like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film depicting viewers who each relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed me to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat in a genre that often introduces individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, so it's a real shock when things eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and various family interactions in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to making a sudden shift into shocking territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient time to immerse in its world before it gets upended.
Unique Zombification Origin
This movie also offers a quite intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this infectious condition stems from a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. While we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the movie had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to creating a lethal potion which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited context, the effect this affliction produces on people is absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear very convincing, and are almost certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better compared to the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of dubious choices (as in any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object is available instead of freezing like a deer in headlights as death approaches.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they agree over the phone to meet up at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters express appreciation for each other feel much more genuine.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message about family or community, either. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. But they're successful scares, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and entertaining
