Generally speaking, I'm over zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems largely depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for months. But, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Development
One of this movie's greatest strengths lies in the superb rhythm. It begins using a striking initial scene where a calm family gathering is violently interrupted when a van plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe the family before the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary personalities before the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out among the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on her. The family head consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so invested in the family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts that I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime to showing us who each relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This focus on conflicting traits allowed the audience to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style that often introduces individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to devour, thus it's a real surprise when things finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama with somewhat morbid humor prior to taking a sudden shift into shocking territory. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to immerse in the setting prior to everything gets upended.
Unique Infection Origin
This movie also offers a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a lethal elixir that appears to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the lack of context, the effect this affliction has on people proves absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and are practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of dubious choices (like any typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord when people start turning into zombies, this proved a pleasantly authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters express appreciation toward one another seem far more sincere.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound message regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are effective frights, and because the movie allows every personality sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is an engaging and enjoyable
