Typically, I've had my fill of zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre seems largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. But, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Growth
Among the film's strongest assets lies in the superb rhythm. It kicks off using a striking initial scene where a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle crashes into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This dramatic scene is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family before the disaster occurred.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main characters before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured yet socially awkward, and he loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on her. This household head consists of her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just two aspects: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot I was watching a scary movie—which might seem like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime to showing us who each family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed me to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment for this style that often introduces individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine surprise when things finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy before making an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" ground. These early scenes aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to settle into its world prior to it gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Source
This movie additionally presents a quite intriguing reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. While we do learn something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited context, the effect this affliction has on people is absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and are almost guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
More impressive than the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of questionable choices (as in any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals express gratitude toward one another feel far more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep message about family or community, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are successful frights, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable
