For the most part, I've grown tired of zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Character Development
Among the film's strongest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off using a striking initial scene where a calm family party is violently disrupted by a van crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This intense moment is immediately followed by a look back, allowing us to see the family prior to the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough time to become acquainted with its main characters before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has predictably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and he enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he seems to care about just two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot this was a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime depicting us who each family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing personalities allowed me to connect to the personalities enough to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style which frequently presents characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a real surprise once events finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama with slightly dark humor prior to making an abrupt shift toward "holy shit" territory. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough time to settle into its world prior to everything gets upended.
Unique Infection Source
The film additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the film had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a deadly elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited context, the effect this affliction has on people is utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and are practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
More impressive than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of questionable choices (as in typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available rather than standing still like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a welcome authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for everything! trope frequently used in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals express appreciation toward one another feel much more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are effective frights, and since the movie allows every personality sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and entertaining
