Typically, I'm over zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels largely depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. But, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Personal Development
One of the film's greatest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene where a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted when a van crashes into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the tragedy struck.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. The family head is Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so engrossed in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked this was a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of its runtime depicting viewers who each relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits allowed me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre that often presents individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise once events finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama featuring slightly dark humor before making an abrupt shift into "holy shit" territory. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient time to immerse in the setting before it gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Origin
This movie additionally presents a quite intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause for this contagious disease originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie had spent a little more time on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the effect this condition has on people is utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and they're almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
Even better than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of dubious decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object they find rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights as death nears.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming to the undead, which was a pleasantly authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they agree over the phone to meet up at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been building for years. Nes is not perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters do show appreciation for each other feel much more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message regarding relatives or society, either. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. But they're successful frights, and because the film allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable
