For the most part, I've had my fill of zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. But, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Development
Among this movie's strongest assets is its excellent pacing. It kicks off with a striking initial scene where a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a van plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family before the disaster occurred.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary personalities before the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose former best friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on her. This household head is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and he seems to care about only two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot this was a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of its runtime to showing viewers the identity of every family member represents, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities allowed me to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment for this style which frequently introduces characters only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine shock when things finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting before everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
This movie also offers a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited context, the impact this condition has on humans is utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear very convincing, and they're practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some instances of questionable choices (like any any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick an undead in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument they find rather than freezing like a deer in headlights while danger nears.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord when people start turning into zombies, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes is not perfect, 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 makes the moments when these characters do show gratitude toward one another seem far more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're successful scares, and since the film allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable
