Generally speaking, I've had my fill of zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre feels largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. But, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Development
Among this movie's strongest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off using a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family party is violently disrupted by a vehicle plows right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household before the tragedy struck.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main personalities prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. This has understandably caused a falling out among the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. The family head is her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who appears to care about only two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves extremely strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so invested with this household's issues and their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could sound like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of its runtime depicting viewers who each family member represents, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities enabled me to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often introduces individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a real surprise once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before taking an abrupt turn into "holy shit" ground. These early moments don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to settle into the setting before it gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Origin
This movie additionally presents a quite interesting reason for the source of the contagious transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause for this infectious condition stems from a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the film had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a lethal elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this condition has on people is utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite convincing, and they're almost certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of questionable choices (like any typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights as death nears.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people start turning to the undead, which was a pleasantly realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters express gratitude toward one another feel far more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep insight about family or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're successful scares, and since the film gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable
