For the most part, I've had my fill of zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre feels largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Pacing and Character Development
One of this movie's strongest strengths is its excellent pacing. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family party is violently interrupted when a van plows into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see the family prior to the tragedy struck.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary personalities before the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has understandably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he enjoys playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on Nes. The family patriarch is her dad, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two things: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so invested with this family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot this was a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film depicting viewers the identity of every relative is, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on conflicting traits allowed the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often introduces individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine shock once events finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama with slightly dark comedy before making an abrupt turn into "holy shit" ground. These early moments aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still provides enough time to settle into the setting before it gets upended.
Original Infection Source
This movie also offers a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease stems from a new batch of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the film had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited context, the impact this affliction produces on people proves absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and are practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
Even better compared to the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of dubious decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like prey caught in lights as death nears.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This causes those instances when these characters do show gratitude toward one another feel much more genuine.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound message regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are effective scares, and since the movie gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves a captivating and entertaining
