Typically, I've grown tired of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels largely exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated and proved remarkably entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Personal Development
One of this movie's greatest strengths is its excellent rhythm. It begins with a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family party is violently disrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to see the family prior to the disaster struck.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows the audience enough time to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household head is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of its runtime depicting us the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities allowed the audience to relate to the personalities sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon feat for this style that often introduces characters only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine shock when things finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and various household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy before making a sudden shift toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still gives sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting before everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Origin
The film additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition originates in a new batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the movie had spent a little more time explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of background, the impact this affliction produces on people is utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and they're practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some examples of dubious choices (like any any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object they find instead of standing still like prey in headlights while danger nears.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been building for years. Nes is not perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters express gratitude toward one another seem far more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are effective scares, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable
