Typically, I'm over zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Character Development
One of this movie's strongest assets is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off with a striking initial scene where a calm family party gets suddenly disrupted by a vehicle plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then followed by a look back, allowing us to see this household prior to the tragedy struck.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient time to get to know the primary personalities before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. This has understandably led to a falling out between the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and who loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. The family patriarch is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he appears to care about just two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so invested in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I almost forgot this was a horror film—which might sound like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of its runtime depicting viewers who each family member represents, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits allowed me to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre that often introduces characters just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a real surprise once events eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and various family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy prior to taking a sudden shift toward "holy shit" territory. These early moments don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to settle into its world before everything gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Origin
The film additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the movie had spent a little more time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this affliction has on people is utterly disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and they're almost certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
Even better compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of questionable choices (like any any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and sharp. They also don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like a deer in headlights as death approaches.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a pleasantly realistic deviation from that "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 apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a nearby location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals express appreciation for each other seem far more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound insight about family or community, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are effective scares, and since the film gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and entertaining
