Typically, I'm over zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels mostly 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, succeeded in defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Growth
One of this movie's strongest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off using a striking initial scene in which a calm family gathering is violently interrupted when a van crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense moment is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to see this household before the tragedy struck.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has understandably caused a rift among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family head is her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two things: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely tense.
Invested in the Drama
I became so engrossed with this household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of its runtime to showing viewers who each relative is, and how they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed me to relate to the personalities enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently presents individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine surprise once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama with slightly dark humor prior to making a sudden turn into shocking territory. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still provides enough time to settle into the setting prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Source
This movie also offers a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a recent sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the movie had spent a little more time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this condition produces on people proves absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and are practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of questionable decision-making (like any any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive and sharp. They also don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like prey in headlights as death nears.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close location. But when Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances when these characters do show appreciation for each other seem far more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound message regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. Yet these are successful scares, and since the movie allows every personality sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable
