For the most part, I've had my fill of zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for some time. But, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated and proved remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Development
Among this movie's strongest assets lies in the superb rhythm. It begins with a striking initial scene where a calm family party gets suddenly disrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense scene is then succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see the family prior to the tragedy occurred.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly allows viewers enough time to get to know its main personalities before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. This has understandably led to a rift between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. The family head is Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama that I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—which might seem like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film to showing viewers who each family member is, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to relate to the personalities sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon accomplishment for this style which frequently introduces characters just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine surprise once events finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to taking a sudden shift toward "holy shit" ground. These early scenes aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to settle into the setting before everything gets upended.
Unique Zombification Source
This movie also offers a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the cause for this infectious condition stems from a recent batch of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the movie devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited background, the effect this affliction has on humans proves absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and are almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better than the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of questionable decision-making (like any any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than freezing like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters express appreciation for each other seem far more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message about family or society, either. Instead, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're successful scares, and since the film gives each character enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable
