For the most part, I'm over zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems largely depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Development
Among this movie's strongest strengths is its excellent pacing. It begins using a striking opening sequence where a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family before the disaster occurred.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient time to get to know its main characters before the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably led to a rift between the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and who loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. This household patriarch is Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves incredibly tense.
Invested in the Drama
I became so invested with this family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime to showing viewers who each relative represents, and how they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed the audience to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often introduces individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine surprise once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy prior to making an abrupt shift into shocking ground. These introductory scenes don't focus too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in the setting before it gets upended.
Original Zombification Source
The film additionally presents a quite intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this infectious condition stems from a new batch of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the film had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this affliction produces on people proves utterly disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and they're practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some instances of questionable decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find rather than standing still like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming to the undead, which was a pleasantly authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for everything! trope frequently used in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree over the phone to meet up at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals express appreciation for each other feel much more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are effective frights, and because the movie gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is a captivating and enjoyable
