Typically, I've had my fill of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems largely depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. But, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Growth
Among the film's strongest strengths is its superb rhythm. It begins using a striking initial scene in which a calm family party is violently interrupted by a van plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This intense scene is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to see this household before the disaster occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a married mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable situation. This has understandably led to a falling out between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he appears to care about only two things: his business and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film depicting us the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled the audience to connect with the characters enough to care about their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style that often presents individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a real shock when things eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to making a sudden turn toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to settle into its world prior to it gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Origin
The film additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause for this infectious condition stems from a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this affliction produces on humans is absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and they're practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
Even better compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of questionable choices (like any any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her family are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with whatever heavy object they find rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord when people begin transforming to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for everything! trope frequently used in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters do show appreciation for each other feel far more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight regarding relatives or society, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're effective frights, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining
