Typically, I'm over zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems mostly exhausted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Growth
Among this movie's strongest assets is its excellent pacing. It begins using a striking opening sequence where a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted when a van crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe the family before the disaster struck.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured yet socially awkward, and who loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family head is her dad, who runs a popular natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two things: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film to showing viewers the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed the audience to relate to the personalities sufficiently to care about their outcome—a rare feat in a genre that often presents characters only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, thus it's a real surprise when things finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and various household exchanges in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to making an abrupt shift toward shocking ground. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to settle into its world before everything gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Origin
This movie also offers a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While we do learn 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 trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this affliction produces on humans proves utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and they're practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are some instances of dubious decision-making (like any typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of standing still like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals express gratitude toward one another feel much more genuine.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message about family or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering frights. Yet these are successful scares, and because the film allows every personality sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and entertaining
