For the most part, I'm over zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels largely depleted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. But, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations turning out remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Character Growth
One of this movie's strongest strengths lies in the superb rhythm. It begins using a memorable initial scene in which a calm family party is violently disrupted when a van plows into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to see this household before the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and who loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so invested in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime to showing us the identity of every family member represents, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled me to connect to the personalities sufficiently to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style which frequently presents individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine surprise once events eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and various family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor before taking an abrupt shift into shocking territory. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to settle into its world before everything gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Origin
This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a new sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional time on how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion that appears to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this affliction produces on people proves utterly disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear quite realistic, and are practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of dubious decision-making (as in typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with whatever heavy object they find rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord when people begin transforming to the undead, which was a pleasantly 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!" trope often seen in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby location. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters do show gratitude toward one another feel much more genuine.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message regarding relatives or society, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are effective frights, and since the movie allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and entertaining
