Typically, I've had my fill of zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Development
Among this movie's greatest strengths is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off with a memorable initial scene where a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted by a vehicle crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This intense scene is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to see the family before the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. This household patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a popular natural medicine business called 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 gathering proves incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film depicting viewers who each family member is, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This focus on conflicting traits enabled the audience to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often introduces characters just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a real shock once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama with slightly dark comedy before taking an abrupt shift toward "holy shit" territory. These early moments aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in the setting prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Origin
The film also offers a fairly interesting reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the movie had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to creating a lethal elixir that appears to include an extremely infectious virus. Despite the lack of context, the effect this affliction produces on humans is absolutely disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and are almost certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
Even better compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of dubious decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever heavy object they find rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights as death nears.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people begin transforming to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide over the phone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters express gratitude for each other feel much more sincere.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are effective frights, and because the film allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is a captivating and entertaining
