For the most part, I'm over zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre feels largely depleted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. But, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Character Development
Among the film's greatest assets lies in the superb pacing. It begins with a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted by a vehicle plows into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is then followed by a look back, allowing us to see the family before the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough opportunity to get to know the primary characters prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. This has predictably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and who loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family head consists of her dad, who runs a popular natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just two aspects: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so invested in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—something that could sound like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of its runtime depicting us the identity of every relative is, and how they add to the general turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled me to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment for this style that often presents characters just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a real surprise when things finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor before taking an abrupt turn into shocking ground. These early scenes aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient time to immerse in its world before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Origin
The film also offers a quite intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the cause for this contagious disease originates in a new batch of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the movie devoted a little more time on how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the limited context, the effect this affliction produces on humans proves absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
Even better than the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see a few examples of dubious decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available instead of freezing like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord when people begin transforming to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic 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!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments when these characters do show gratitude toward one another feel far more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound insight about family or community, either. Instead, it's mostly delivering frights. Yet these are successful frights, and since the movie gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining
