Generally speaking, I've had my fill of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems largely depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated and proved remarkably entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Character Development
One of the film's greatest strengths is its superb pacing. It begins with a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted by a van crashes into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the tragedy struck.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient 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, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. This household patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two things: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so invested with this household's issues along with their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a drawback, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of its runtime depicting viewers the identity of every family member represents, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed me to connect with the characters enough to care about their fate—a rare accomplishment for this style that often presents individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a real surprise when things finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and various family interactions in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama with slightly dark humor prior to taking an abrupt shift toward shocking ground. These early moments don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient time to immerse in the setting prior to it gets upended.
Original Zombification Source
The film also offers a quite interesting reason for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this contagious disease originates in a recent sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. Although we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a lethal potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of context, the effect this condition produces on people proves absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and they're almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
More impressive than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of questionable decision-making (like any any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available rather than standing still like a deer in headlights as death approaches.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord when people start turning to the undead, which was a pleasantly authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for everything! cliché often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another seem far more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are effective scares, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable
