Generally speaking, I've had my fill of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems mostly exhausted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Character Development
Among this movie's greatest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family party is violently interrupted by a van plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe the family prior to the disaster struck.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient time to get to know its main characters prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has predictably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household head is her dad, who runs a popular natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so invested in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—which might seem like a drawback, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film depicting viewers who each relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing traits allowed the audience to relate with the characters enough to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often introduces characters only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, thus it's a real surprise once events finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to making an abrupt turn into "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to immerse in its world before it gets upended.
Unique Zombification Origin
The film additionally presents a fairly interesting reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a new batch of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the effect this affliction has on people is absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and are almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
More impressive than the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of questionable choices (as in typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning into zombies, 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!" trope often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This causes those instances when these characters express appreciation for each other feel far more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep insight about family or community, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're effective scares, and because the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining
