Generally speaking, I've had my fill of zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. But, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Character Growth
Among the film's greatest assets lies in the superb rhythm. It kicks off with a memorable initial scene in which a calm family party is violently interrupted by a vehicle plows into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to see this household prior to the disaster occurred.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough opportunity to get to know the primary characters prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. The family head is Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so engrossed with this household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I nearly forgot this was a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime depicting us the identity of every family member is, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently introduces characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine shock when things eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before making an abrupt turn toward shocking territory. These early moments don't focus as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to settle into its world before it gets upended.
Original Infection Source
This movie also offers a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the movie had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this condition has on people proves absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and are practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
More impressive compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some examples of questionable decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick an undead in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights as death nears.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord when people begin transforming to the undead, which was a pleasantly realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This causes those instances where these individuals express appreciation toward one another seem far more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering scares. But they're successful scares, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable
