For the most part, I've had my fill of zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 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 defy what I anticipated and proved quite entertaining.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Development
One of the film's strongest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It begins using a memorable initial scene where a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted when a van plows right into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe the family before the tragedy struck.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough time to get to know the primary personalities prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably led to a rift between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. This household patriarch is her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two aspects: his business and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so invested with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime depicting viewers who each relative is, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently presents individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine shock when things eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and various family interactions in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy before taking a sudden turn into shocking territory. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to settle into its world before everything gets upended.
Original Infection Origin
This movie also offers a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the movie devoted additional time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited background, the effect this affliction has on people is absolutely disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and they're practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
Even better than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of dubious choices (as in any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like prey in headlights while danger nears.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This causes those instances when these characters express gratitude for each other feel much more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are successful scares, and because the movie gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining
