Generally speaking, I'm over zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre feels mostly exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. But, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations and proved remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Character Growth
Among this movie's greatest assets is its excellent pacing. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to see this household before the disaster struck.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough time to get to know its main personalities before the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose former close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has predictably led to a falling out between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and who loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch is her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I became so engrossed with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film depicting viewers who each relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing personalities enabled the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat for this style which frequently introduces individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, thus it's a genuine surprise when things finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark comedy prior to making a sudden shift into shocking ground. These introductory moments don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient time to settle into its world prior to it gets upended.
Original Infection Origin
The film additionally presents a quite interesting reason for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this infectious condition stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of background, the effect this condition has on humans proves absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and are almost certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
Even better than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of dubious choices (as in typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights as death nears.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming to the undead, which was a welcome realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for everything! cliché frequently used in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters express gratitude for each other feel far more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound insight regarding relatives or society, either. Instead, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're successful frights, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome is an engaging and entertaining
