For the most part, I've had my fill of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre seems mostly exhausted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Character Development
One of this movie's greatest assets is its excellent rhythm. It begins with a striking opening sequence in which a calm family party is violently disrupted by a vehicle crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking stranger emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe the family before the tragedy struck.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with its main personalities before the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has understandably led to a falling out among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and who loves gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household head is Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who appears to care about only two things: his business and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so engrossed with this household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of its runtime depicting viewers who each relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often presents individuals just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a real shock when things finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before taking a sudden turn into "holy shit" ground. These early scenes aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to immerse in the setting prior to it gets upended.
Unique Zombification Origin
The film additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the film had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited background, the effect this condition has on people is absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
More impressive than the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of dubious choices (as in any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like a deer in headlights while danger nears.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord when people start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for everything! cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation for each other feel far more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message about family or community, either. Instead, it's mostly delivering scares. But they're effective frights, and since the movie gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and entertaining
