Generally speaking, I've had my fill of zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems largely depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Character Development
Among the film's strongest assets is its superb pacing. It begins using a memorable initial scene where a calm family gathering is violently interrupted by a van plows right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then followed by a look back, giving viewers to see the family before the tragedy struck.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows the audience sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with its main personalities before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose former best friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably led to a falling out among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and who loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family head consists of her dad, who runs a well-known natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, but in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film to showing viewers the identity of every relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing personalities allowed me to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their fate—a rare feat in a genre that often introduces characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine surprise when things finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor before making a sudden shift into "holy shit" territory. These early scenes don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient time to immerse in its world prior to it gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Source
This movie additionally presents a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the film devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this condition has on humans is utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and they're practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
Even better compared to the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see some instances of dubious choices (like any any good zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her family are inventive and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest heavy object is available instead of freezing like a deer in headlights as death approaches.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord when people begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building for years. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude for each other seem much more sincere.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're successful frights, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining
