For the most part, I'm over zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre seems largely exhausted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. But, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Growth
Among this movie's strongest strengths is its excellent rhythm. It begins using a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted by a van crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see this household prior to the disaster struck.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience enough time to become acquainted with its main personalities before the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. This has predictably caused a rift among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on Nes. This household patriarch is her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film to showing viewers who each family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed the audience to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often presents individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine shock when things finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor prior to taking a sudden turn toward shocking ground. These introductory moments don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to settle into the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Source
This movie also offers a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. Although we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the film devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to creating a lethal elixir that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited context, the impact this condition produces on humans is absolutely disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear very convincing, and they're almost certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
More impressive than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some examples of questionable decision-making (as in any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people start turning into zombies, which was a welcome realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang 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 doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments where these individuals express gratitude for each other seem much more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message about family or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are successful frights, and because the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable
