Generally speaking, I've grown tired of zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels mostly depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated and proved remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Pacing and Character Development
One of the film's strongest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It begins using a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted by a van crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately followed by a look back, allowing us to see this household prior to the disaster occurred.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough time to become acquainted with its main personalities before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a married mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has predictably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet socially awkward, and he enjoys playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on her. This household head consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and he appears to care about just two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot this was a horror film—which might sound like a drawback, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film depicting viewers the identity of every relative represents, and how they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled me to relate with the characters enough to care about their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre that often presents individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a real shock when things eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before taking an abrupt shift into "holy shit" ground. These early moments don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to immerse in its world prior to it gets upended.
Original Infection Origin
The film additionally presents a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although we do learn something regarding its origins, I wish the movie devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this condition has on people proves absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and are almost certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
Even better compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of questionable choices (as in any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a pleasantly realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters do show appreciation toward one another seem far more genuine.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message regarding relatives or society, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. Yet these are effective scares, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining
