Typically, I'm over zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels largely exhausted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. But, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out remarkably entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Character Growth
One of the film's greatest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off using a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe the family prior to the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with its main characters before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably led to a rift between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch is Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so engrossed with this household's issues along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film depicting us the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities enabled me to connect to the personalities enough to care about their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre that often presents characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor prior to making an abrupt turn into "holy shit" ground. These early moments don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient time to immerse in its world before everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Origin
The film additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the cause for this infectious condition originates in a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While we do learn something regarding its origins, I wish the movie devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir that appears to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this condition has on people proves absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and are practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
Even better than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see a few examples of dubious decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like a deer in headlights while danger nears.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord when people begin transforming to the undead, which was a welcome authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters do show appreciation toward one another feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep message regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up scares. But they're successful scares, and since the film allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome is an engaging and entertaining