Typically, I've had my fill of zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Growth
One of the film's greatest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins using a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted when a van crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to see this household before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on 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 became so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of its runtime to showing us who each family member is, and how they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their fate—a rare accomplishment for this style that often presents individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine surprise once events finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and various household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor prior to making an abrupt turn toward shocking territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to settle into its world prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
The film additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir that appears to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the limited context, the effect this affliction has on people proves absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very realistic, and are almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of dubious choices (like any typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her family are inventive and sharp. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of standing still like prey in headlights as death approaches.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict when people start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. Nes is not perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This causes the moments when these characters express gratitude for each other feel far more genuine.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound insight regarding relatives or society, either. Rather, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are effective frights, and since the film allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is an engaging and enjoyable
