For the most part, I've had my fill of zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels mostly exhausted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting 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.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Growth
Among the film's strongest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off with a striking initial scene where a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted by a van crashes into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to see the family before the disaster struck.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough time to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a married mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a falling out among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. The family patriarch is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he appears to care about just two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of its runtime depicting us the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities allowed me to relate with the characters enough to care about their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often introduces individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and various family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama with slightly dark comedy before making a sudden turn into "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to settle into its world prior to it gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
The film additionally presents a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a recent batch of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although some background is provided a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly elixir that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this affliction produces on humans proves absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and they're practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some instances of questionable choices (as in typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest heavy object is available instead of standing still like prey in headlights as death approaches.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, which was a pleasantly authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close location. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals express gratitude for each other seem far more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound message about family or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up scares. Yet these are effective frights, and since the film allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable
