Typically, I'm over zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre feels largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Development
One of the film's strongest strengths lies in the superb rhythm. It kicks off with a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking stranger emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe the family prior to the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient time to get to know the primary characters prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and who loves playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. The family head is Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot this was a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film to showing viewers the identity of every family member represents, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed me to relate to the personalities enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment for this style that often introduces individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine shock when things finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy prior to taking an abrupt turn into "holy shit" territory. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world prior to it gets upended.
Unique Zombification Origin
The film also offers a quite interesting explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the cause for this infectious condition stems from a recent batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir which seems to contain an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this affliction produces on humans proves absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and they're practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive than the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Of course, we see some instances of dubious decision-making (as in typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her family are inventive and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like prey in headlights while danger nears.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a welcome realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals express appreciation for each other seem much more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are effective frights, and because the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and entertaining
