For the most part, I'm over zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre feels largely depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. But, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Development
One of this movie's strongest assets is its superb pacing. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence where a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is then followed by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household before the disaster occurred.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary characters before the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a falling out between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. This household head consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he appears to care about just two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves incredibly strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of its runtime to showing viewers the identity of every relative is, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to devour, thus it's a real shock when things eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama with slightly dark humor prior to taking an abrupt shift toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient time to immerse in the setting before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
The film also offers a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a new batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the film devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion that appears to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the effect this condition produces on humans is utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and they're practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive compared to the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see a few instances of dubious decision-making (as in any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike an undead in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like prey caught in lights while danger nears.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This causes the moments where these individuals express gratitude for each other seem far more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're successful scares, and because the movie allows every personality sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining
