For the most part, I'm over zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems largely depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Development
One of this movie's greatest assets lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off using a striking initial scene in which a calm family gathering is violently disrupted when a van plows right into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household prior to the tragedy struck.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary characters before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably led to a falling out between the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. The family patriarch is her dad, who runs a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so invested with this household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film depicting us the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits enabled me to relate to the personalities enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise once events finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama with slightly dark humor before taking a sudden turn toward shocking ground. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to immerse in its world prior to everything gets upended.
Unique Zombification Origin
This movie also offers a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a new sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the movie had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the impact this condition has on humans proves utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and they're practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
More impressive than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of questionable choices (like any typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever heavy object they find rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights as death nears.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a pleasantly authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for everything! trope frequently used in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still holding onto resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a nearby location. But when Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation for each other seem much more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound insight about family or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're successful scares, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is an engaging and enjoyable
