Typically, I'm over zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems largely exhausted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Character Growth
Among this movie's greatest strengths is its excellent pacing. It kicks off with a memorable opening sequence where a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a van crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see the family before the disaster occurred.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with its main personalities prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has predictably caused a falling out among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about just two aspects: his business and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so engrossed in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of its runtime to showing us the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently presents individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine shock once events finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama featuring slightly dark humor before making a sudden turn toward "holy shit" territory. These early moments don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient opportunity to immerse in the setting prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Origin
This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the movie had spent additional time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited context, the effect this affliction has on humans is utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very realistic, and they're practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
More impressive compared to the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Of course, we see some instances of dubious choices (like any typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object they find rather than standing still like prey caught in lights as death approaches.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they agree over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another feel far more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message about family or community, either. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're successful frights, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves a captivating and entertaining
