Generally speaking, I've grown tired of zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category seems largely exhausted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. But, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Character Development
One of the film's greatest strengths is its superb rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family prior to the tragedy struck.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough opportunity to get to know its main characters prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a married mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. This has understandably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family head is her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two things: his business and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so invested in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a drawback, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a significant portion of its runtime depicting viewers the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This focus on conflicting traits allowed me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to care about their outcome—a rare accomplishment in a genre which frequently presents characters only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and various household exchanges in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama with slightly dark humor prior to taking an abrupt shift toward shocking territory. These early scenes aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still gives sufficient opportunity to settle into its world prior to everything gets upended.
Unique Zombification Origin
This movie additionally presents a quite interesting reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the film devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this condition has on humans is absolutely disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and are almost guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some instances of questionable decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. They also don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like a deer in headlights as death nears.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been building for years. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation for each other feel much more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are successful frights, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining
