For the most part, I'm over zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels mostly exhausted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Growth
One of this movie's greatest strengths is its excellent pacing. It begins with a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted by a van crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household before the disaster occurred.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly allows the audience enough time to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. This household head is her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two things: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts that I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a negative, but in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of its runtime depicting viewers the identity of every relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits allowed me to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat in a genre which frequently introduces individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to devour, thus it's a genuine shock when things eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama with slightly dark humor before taking a sudden turn toward shocking territory. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to immerse in the setting before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Source
The film also offers a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a recent batch of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While we do learn a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more time explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this affliction has 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 is a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear quite convincing, and are almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some instances of dubious choices (as in any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like a deer in headlights as death approaches.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, which was 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 apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters express appreciation toward one another feel much more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight about family or society, either. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are successful scares, and because the movie gives each character enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable
