For the most part, I've grown tired of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre feels mostly depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Character Development
One of the film's greatest strengths is its excellent pacing. It kicks off with a striking initial scene where a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle plows right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household before the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably led to a rift between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who loves gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on Nes. The family patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a well-known natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about just two things: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues and their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked this was a scary movie—which might seem like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film depicting viewers the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed me to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently introduces individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine shock when things eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama with slightly dark humor prior to making an abrupt shift into "holy shit" ground. These early moments don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient time to settle into the setting before everything gets upended.
Original Zombification Source
The film also offers a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the film had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to creating a lethal potion that appears to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this condition produces on people proves absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and are practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of questionable decision-making (like any typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like prey in headlights as death 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 that "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 apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances when these characters express appreciation for each other feel much more genuine.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound insight about family or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are successful frights, and because the film allows every personality sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result proves a captivating and entertaining
