Generally speaking, I'm over zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems mostly exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Pacing and Character Development
Among this movie's strongest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a striking initial scene where a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household before the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary characters before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has understandably caused a rift among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on her. This household patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and he appears to care about just two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so invested in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot I was watching a scary movie—which might seem like a drawback, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of its runtime depicting us the identity of every relative is, and how they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to connect to the personalities enough to care about their outcome—a rare feat for this style that often presents individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to devour, thus it's a real shock when things eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and various household exchanges actually evoke the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking a sudden turn into shocking territory. These early moments aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Origin
This movie also offers a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause for this infectious condition stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion that appears to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the effect this condition has on humans is absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and they're practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
Even better than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Of course, we see some examples of dubious choices (like any typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find instead of standing still like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This causes the moments when these characters express appreciation toward one another feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep message regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are successful scares, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable
