Typically, I've grown tired of zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems largely exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations and proved remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Development
One of the film's greatest assets is its superb pacing. It begins with a memorable initial scene where a peaceful family party is violently interrupted when a van crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to see the family before the disaster struck.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough time to get to know its main characters prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on her. The family patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two aspects: his work and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so invested with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime depicting viewers who each family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits allowed the audience to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently presents individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine surprise once events finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and various family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before taking a sudden shift into shocking ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient time to settle into the setting prior to everything gets upended.
Unique Zombification Origin
This movie also offers a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. While we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the film devoted a little more time explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a lethal elixir that appears to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the effect this condition produces on humans proves utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and are almost guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
Even better compared to the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of questionable choices (as in any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick an undead in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find instead of standing still like a deer in headlights while danger nears.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people start turning to the undead, which was a welcome realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This causes the moments when these characters express appreciation for each other feel far more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound insight about family or society, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're successful scares, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and entertaining
