Typically, I'm over zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels mostly exhausted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. But, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Development
One of the film's greatest strengths lies in the superb rhythm. It begins with a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted when a vehicle plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household prior to the disaster struck.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough time to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. This has understandably caused a rift between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and he appears to care about only two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so invested in the family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—which might seem like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of its runtime depicting viewers who each relative represents, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed me to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment for this style that often introduces individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to consume, thus it's a real surprise when things eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and various household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark comedy before making an abrupt shift into "holy shit" territory. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still gives sufficient time to immerse in its world prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Origin
This movie also offers a quite interesting reason for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion that appears to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the limited background, the effect this condition has on people proves absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear quite convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
Even better than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some examples of questionable decision-making (like any typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object they find instead of standing still like a deer in headlights as death nears.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord when people start turning 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 forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another feel much more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight about family or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up scares. Yet these are successful frights, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining
