Typically, I'm over zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. But, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Character Growth
Among this movie's strongest strengths is its superb rhythm. It kicks off with a memorable initial scene where a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted when a van crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe the family before the disaster struck.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main personalities before the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and who loves 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, the owner of a well-known natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about just two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves incredibly strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film to showing viewers the identity of every family member is, and how they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled the audience to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently presents characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine shock when things eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and various household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy prior to taking a sudden turn toward "holy shit" ground. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough time to immerse in the setting before everything gets upended.
Unique Infection Origin
This movie also offers a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the film devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this affliction produces on people is absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and are practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
Even better than the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see some instances of dubious choices (as in typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever heavy object they find instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights as death nears.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a pleasantly authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they decide over the phone to regroup at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances when these characters express gratitude toward one another seem much more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound insight about family or society, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. But they're effective frights, and since the film allows every personality sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining
