For the most part, I'm over zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems largely exhausted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Growth
One of the film's greatest assets is its excellent pacing. It begins with a memorable initial scene where a calm family gathering is violently interrupted when a van crashes into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household prior to the tragedy struck.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough time to get to know the primary characters prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably caused a falling out between the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch is her dad, who runs a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he seems to care about only two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of its runtime depicting viewers who each relative represents, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing traits allowed the audience to connect to the personalities enough to care about their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often presents individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to devour, thus it's a real surprise once events finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and various family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a Korean drama with slightly dark humor prior to making an abrupt shift into "holy shit" ground. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient time to immerse in its world before it gets upended.
Original Infection Origin
The film also offers a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie devoted additional time on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the impact this condition has on people is absolutely disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very realistic, and are practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
Even better than the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of dubious decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like a deer in headlights as death nears.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a welcome realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they agree over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to push the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances when these characters express gratitude toward one another seem far more genuine.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message about family or community, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're effective frights, and because the movie gives each character sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable
