Typically, I'm over zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre feels largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. But, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated and proved remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Development
One of this movie's strongest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene where a calm family party is violently disrupted by a van crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like individual emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to observe the family before the disaster occurred.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and he loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he appears to care about only two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves extremely strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so invested in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film depicting us the identity of every relative is, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed me to relate to the personalities enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre that often introduces individuals just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a real surprise once events finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and various household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy prior to making a sudden turn toward "holy shit" territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting before everything gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Source
This movie also offers a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition originates in a recent batch of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the film had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir that appears to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the limited context, the effect this condition produces on people is utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear quite realistic, and are practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
Even better compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some instances of dubious decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, this proved a welcome realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters do show gratitude for each other seem much more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight about family or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are effective frights, and because the film gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable
