Typically, I've had my fill of zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels largely depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Character Development
One of this movie's greatest assets lies in the superb pacing. It begins with a memorable opening sequence where a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like individual emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the disaster struck.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. This has understandably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and who loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who appears to care about only two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film depicting viewers who each family member represents, and how they add to the general turmoil. This focus on conflicting traits enabled me to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat for this style that often presents characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine shock when things eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark comedy prior to taking a sudden turn toward shocking ground. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient time to settle into the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
This movie additionally presents a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the cause for this contagious disease originates in a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the movie had spent a little more time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited background, the impact this condition produces on people proves utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see a few instances of dubious choices (like any any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like prey caught in lights while danger nears.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord when people begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals express appreciation for each other feel far more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are successful frights, and because the movie allows every personality sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and entertaining
