For the most part, I'm over zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels largely depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. But, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Development
Among this movie's strongest assets is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted when a van plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household before the disaster struck.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has understandably led to a falling out between the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household head is her dad, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two aspects: his work and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I almost forgot this was a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film to showing us who each relative represents, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing personalities allowed the audience to relate with the characters enough to care about their fate—a rare feat in a genre that often presents individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a real surprise once events eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama with slightly dark humor prior to making a sudden turn into shocking territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to settle into its world before everything gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Source
The film also offers a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this contagious disease originates in a recent sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir which seems to contain an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this condition has on humans is absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and are practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
Even better than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of questionable decision-making (like any any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her family are inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they agree over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation for each other seem far more sincere.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound insight about family or community, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are effective frights, and since the film allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and entertaining
