Typically, I've had my fill of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels mostly depleted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for months. But, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Development
One of this movie's strongest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins with a striking initial scene in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly disrupted by a vehicle crashes into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see the family prior to the disaster struck.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient opportunity to get to know its main characters prior to the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a former best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably led to a rift between the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two aspects: his work and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so invested in the family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts that I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film depicting us the identity of every relative is, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits allowed the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently introduces characters only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a real surprise once events eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking a sudden shift toward "holy shit" ground. These early scenes aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough time to immerse in the setting prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Source
The film also offers a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition originates in a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this condition has on humans is absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and they're practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of questionable decision-making (like any any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find instead of standing still like prey in headlights as death approaches.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they agree over the phone to meet up at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments where these individuals express gratitude for each other seem far more sincere.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight about family or community, either. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. But they're successful scares, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and entertaining
