Typically, I've had my fill of zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre feels mostly depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated and proved quite entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Growth
One of the film's greatest strengths is its excellent pacing. It kicks off with a memorable initial scene where a calm family gathering is violently interrupted when a van crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is then followed by a look back, allowing us to see this household before the disaster struck.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows viewers enough time to become acquainted with its main personalities prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch 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 his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself 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 sound like a drawback, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of its runtime depicting viewers who each relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits enabled the audience to relate to the personalities enough to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently presents individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to devour, thus it's a real surprise once events finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama with slightly dark humor before making an abrupt turn into "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to immerse in the setting before it gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Source
This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause for this contagious disease originates in a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although we do learn something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the movie had spent a little more time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to creating a lethal elixir which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited background, the effect this condition has on people proves utterly disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and they're almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
Even better compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of dubious choices (like any typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves 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 over the head with whatever blunt instrument they find rather than freezing like prey in headlights as death nears.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals express gratitude for each other seem far more genuine.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound message about family or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are successful scares, and because the film allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and entertaining
