For the most part, I've had my fill of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems mostly depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. But, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Growth
One of the film's greatest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It begins using a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted by a vehicle crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like stranger emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see this household prior to the tragedy struck.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary personalities before the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has predictably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and he loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on Nes. This household head is her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about just two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves extremely tense.
Invested in the Drama
I became so invested in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot this was a horror film—which might sound like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film depicting viewers the identity of every relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled me to connect to the personalities enough to care about their outcome—a rare feat for this style which frequently presents individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to devour, thus it's a genuine shock when things finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama with slightly dark humor prior to making a sudden shift toward shocking territory. These early scenes don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world prior to everything gets upended.
Original Infection Source
The film also offers a fairly intriguing reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the film devoted additional time on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of background, the effect this affliction produces on humans is absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear quite realistic, and they're practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
Even better than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see a few examples of dubious choices (like any any good zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with whatever blunt instrument they find rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close location. But when Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals express appreciation toward one another seem far more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep message regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering frights. Yet these are successful frights, and because the film gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining
