For the most part, I've grown tired of zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category seems largely exhausted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Development
One of the film's greatest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off with a memorable opening sequence where a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like individual emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe the family before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters before the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured yet socially awkward, and he loves gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on her. This household patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a popular natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so invested with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film to showing viewers the identity of every family member represents, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre that often presents characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a genuine shock when things eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before making an abrupt shift toward "holy shit" territory. These early moments aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to settle into its world before everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Source
This movie also offers a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the movie had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of context, the effect this condition produces on people proves utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and they're almost certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
Even better compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of questionable decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters do show gratitude toward one another seem far more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are successful scares, and since the movie gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is an engaging and entertaining
