For the most part, I'm over zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre feels largely depleted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for months. But, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Personal Development
One of the film's greatest assets lies in the superb pacing. It begins with a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted when a van plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense scene is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to see this household prior to the tragedy occurred.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough time to get to know the primary characters prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. This has understandably led to a falling out between the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on her. This household patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves incredibly tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so invested in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of its runtime depicting us who each relative represents, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style which frequently introduces individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a real surprise when things finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before making an abrupt shift toward shocking territory. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting prior to it gets upended.
Original Zombification Source
The film additionally presents a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the movie had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of context, the effect this affliction has on humans is utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and they're almost guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
Even better compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of dubious choices (like any any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a nearby location. But when Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation for each other feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight about family or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up scares. But they're effective frights, and because the movie allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining
