Generally speaking, I'm over undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems largely depleted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for months. But, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Growth
One of the film's greatest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It begins using a memorable opening sequence where a calm family gathering gets suddenly disrupted by a van plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense scene is immediately followed by a look back, allowing us to see this household before the disaster struck.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough opportunity to get to know its main characters before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a married mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. This has predictably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who loves gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on Nes. This household head is her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he seems to care about just two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a drawback, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of its runtime to showing us the identity of every relative represents, and how they add to the general turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat for this style that often presents individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to devour, thus it's a real surprise once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and various family interactions actually evoke the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama with slightly dark comedy before taking a sudden turn into shocking ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient time to immerse in its world before everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the movie devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to creating a lethal potion which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited context, the effect this condition has on humans proves utterly disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and they're almost certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
Even better compared to the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of questionable choices (as in any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available instead of standing still like prey caught in lights while danger nears.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning into zombies, which was a welcome authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals express appreciation toward one another seem much more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep insight regarding relatives or society, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. But they're successful scares, and because the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining
