Generally speaking, I've had my fill of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Character Growth
One of this movie's greatest assets is its excellent pacing. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted by a van crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like individual emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe the family before the disaster occurred.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary personalities before the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a married mother whose former close friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—a clearly awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift among the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on her. The family head is her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he seems to care about only two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves incredibly tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime depicting viewers who each relative is, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits allowed the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment for this style which frequently introduces individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise once events finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and various family interactions actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy before taking an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides enough time to immerse in the setting before it gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Origin
The film additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the film devoted additional time on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this condition produces on people proves utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and they're almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see a few examples of dubious choices (like any any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever heavy object they find instead of standing still like prey in headlights as death approaches.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, this proved a welcome realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for everything! cliché frequently used in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they agree over the phone to meet up at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another seem much more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound insight regarding relatives or society, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are successful scares, and since the movie allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable
