Generally speaking, I've grown tired of zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems mostly depleted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Character Development
Among the film's greatest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It begins using a striking initial scene in which a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted by a van crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like individual emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see the family before the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household head consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two aspects: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves extremely strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so invested in the family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts that I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of its runtime to showing us the identity of every family member represents, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on conflicting traits enabled the audience to relate to the personalities enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment for this style that often introduces characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a real shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and various household exchanges in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before taking an abrupt shift into shocking territory. These early moments aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough time to settle into its world prior to it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Source
The film also offers a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this infectious condition stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the film had spent a little more time on how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion that appears to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this condition produces on people proves absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and they're almost certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
Even better than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of questionable decision-making (as in any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. They also don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like prey caught in lights while danger nears.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people begin transforming to the undead, which was a pleasantly realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters express gratitude for each other feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound message about family or society, either. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. Yet these are effective scares, and because the film allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable
