Typically, I've grown tired of zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels mostly depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. But, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.
Excellent Pacing and Character Development
One of this movie's strongest assets is its superb pacing. It begins with a memorable initial scene where a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted when a vehicle plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see this household prior to the disaster struck.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a falling out among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on Nes. The family head consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two things: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves extremely tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film to showing us who each family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing traits enabled me to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre that often presents individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to devour, thus it's a real surprise once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and various family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to taking an abrupt shift into shocking ground. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient time to immerse in its world prior to everything gets upended.
Unique Infection Origin
The film also offers a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a new sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. While we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the movie devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion which seems to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of context, the impact this affliction produces on humans proves absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and are practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
Even better compared to the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of questionable decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people begin transforming into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This causes the moments when these characters express gratitude for each other seem far more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're effective scares, and since the movie gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining
