Typically, I'm over zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category seems largely exhausted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. But, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved quite entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Character Growth
Among the film's greatest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It begins using a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted by a van crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to see this household prior to the disaster struck.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough time to get to know the primary characters prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has predictably caused a rift between the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he enjoys playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch is Nes' father, the owner of a popular natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and he seems to care about just two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves extremely tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—which might sound like a drawback, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of its runtime depicting us who each family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment for this style which frequently introduces individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine surprise once events eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama with slightly dark humor before making an abrupt turn toward shocking territory. These early scenes don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to settle into the setting before everything gets upended.
Original Infection Source
The film additionally presents a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the movie had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this affliction produces on humans proves absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and are practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
Even better than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are some instances of dubious decision-making (like any any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available instead of standing still like prey in headlights while danger nears.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a pleasantly authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been building for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters do show gratitude toward one another seem far more sincere.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound insight about family or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. Yet these are effective scares, and because the film allows every personality sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable
