Typically, I'm over zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems largely depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. But, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated and proved quite entertaining.
Excellent Pacing and Character Development
Among the film's strongest assets lies in the superb rhythm. It begins with a memorable opening sequence where a peaceful family party is violently interrupted by a vehicle plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to see this household before the disaster struck.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough time to get to know its main personalities prior to the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. The family head consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a drawback, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime depicting viewers who each family member is, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing traits enabled the audience to relate to the personalities enough to care about their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style that often introduces individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine surprise once events eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama featuring slightly dark humor before making an abrupt shift toward shocking ground. These early scenes don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough time to settle into the setting prior to it gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
The film also offers a fairly interesting reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of background, the effect this condition has on people proves absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear quite convincing, and they're practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
More impressive compared to the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of dubious decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find instead of standing still like prey caught in lights as death approaches.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, which was a welcome realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still holding onto resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been building for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. But they're successful scares, and because the movie gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is an engaging and entertaining
