Generally speaking, I've had my fill of zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category seems largely exhausted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Character Development
Among this movie's strongest assets is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene where a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted when a vehicle plows into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking stranger emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family before the disaster struck.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough time to become acquainted with the primary personalities before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch is her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two things: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so engrossed in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film to showing viewers the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often presents characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine surprise when things eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama with slightly dark comedy before taking an abrupt turn into shocking territory. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient time to immerse in its world prior to it gets upended.
Unique Infection Origin
This movie also offers a quite interesting reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition originates in a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion which seems to contain a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this condition produces on people proves utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear quite realistic, and they're almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
More impressive than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see some instances of dubious choices (as in any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object is available instead of freezing like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord when people start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for everything! trope 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 apparent she remains holding onto resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. Nes is not perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters do show appreciation toward one another feel far more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. But they're effective scares, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining
