For the most part, I'm over zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre seems largely depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. But, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Personal Development
One of the film's strongest strengths is its superb rhythm. It begins using a striking initial scene where a peaceful family party is violently interrupted when a vehicle plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the disaster occurred.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. This has understandably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. The family head is her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves incredibly strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so invested in the household's issues and their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film depicting us the identity of every family member is, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed the audience to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre that often introduces characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a real surprise once events finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy before making an abrupt shift into shocking ground. These early moments don't focus as much on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still provides enough time to settle into the setting before it gets upended.
Unique Infection Source
The film also offers a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the cause for this infectious condition stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the film devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir that appears to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the limited context, the effect this condition has on humans is utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very convincing, and are almost certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
More impressive than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some examples of questionable decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family are inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find instead of freezing like a deer in headlights while danger nears.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a pleasantly authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This causes the moments where these individuals express gratitude for each other seem much more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up scares. Yet these are successful frights, and since the movie allows every personality sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and entertaining
