Generally speaking, I've grown tired of zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels largely exhausted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for months. But, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Character Growth
Among the film's greatest assets lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence in which a calm family gathering is violently interrupted by a vehicle plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is then followed by a look back, allowing us to observe this household before the tragedy struck.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers sufficient time to get to know its main characters before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has predictably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. This household patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and he seems to care about just two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of its runtime to showing viewers who each relative represents, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled me to connect to the personalities sufficiently to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces characters just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters 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 sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to taking a sudden turn toward shocking territory. These early moments aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world before everything gets upended.
Unique Zombification Origin
The film also offers a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the film had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this affliction produces on people is absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very realistic, and they're almost certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
More impressive than the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Of course, we see some examples of questionable choices (like any any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object is available instead of standing still like a deer in headlights as death approaches.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. 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 over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes the moments when these characters express appreciation for each other feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound message regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are successful scares, and because the movie gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and enjoyable
