Generally speaking, I'm over zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Development
Among this movie's strongest strengths is its superb pacing. It kicks off with a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family party gets suddenly disrupted when a van crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense scene is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to see this household before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough time to get to know its main personalities before the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household head consists of her dad, who runs a popular natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about only two aspects: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so invested with this family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a drawback, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of its runtime depicting viewers the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing traits allowed the audience to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment for this style which frequently presents characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a real shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and various family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before taking a sudden shift into shocking ground. These early scenes don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Source
This movie additionally presents a quite interesting explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a new sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the movie had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the lack of background, the effect this affliction produces on humans proves utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very realistic, and are almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
Even better compared to the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see some examples of questionable decision-making (like any typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object is available rather than standing still like prey in headlights as death approaches.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a pleasantly realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close location. But when Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This causes those instances where these individuals express appreciation for each other feel far more sincere.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep message about family or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. But they're effective frights, and since the film gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable
