Generally speaking, I'm over zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems mostly exhausted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations and proved quite entertaining.
Excellent Pacing and Character Growth
One of this movie's greatest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It begins using a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a van crashes into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to see the family prior to the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly allows the audience sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary personalities before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose former best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who loves playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. This household head is her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he seems to care about only two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so invested in the family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film to showing us who each family member represents, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits allowed the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often presents characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine surprise when things finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and various family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before making a sudden turn toward shocking territory. These early moments aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides enough time to immerse in its world prior to it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Origin
The film additionally presents a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a lethal elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited background, the impact this condition has on humans is utterly disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very convincing, and are practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
Even better than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of dubious choices (like any any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people start turning into zombies, which was a welcome realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. But when Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters express gratitude for each other feel far more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound message regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. Yet these are successful scares, and since the film allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable
