Generally speaking, I've grown tired of zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre feels mostly exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Development
One of the film's greatest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It begins using a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted by a van plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This intense scene is immediately followed by a look back, allowing us to see the family prior to the disaster struck.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about only two aspects: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so invested with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of its runtime depicting viewers the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits enabled me to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often presents characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise when things finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and various household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy before making a sudden shift into shocking ground. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient time to immerse in its world before it gets upended.
Original Zombification Source
The film additionally presents a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although we do learn something regarding its origins, I wish the movie devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the impact this condition has on people proves absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and they're practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
Even better compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of questionable choices (as in typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available instead of freezing like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord when people begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome realistic subversion from the "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. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another feel much more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message about family or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. But they're successful frights, and since the movie gives each character enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable
