For the most part, I'm over zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre seems mostly exhausted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. But, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved remarkably entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Personal Development
Among the film's greatest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted when a vehicle plows right into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like stranger stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the tragedy struck.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary personalities prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has predictably caused a rift among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and who loves playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he appears to care about just two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so engrossed with this household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film depicting us who each family member represents, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled me to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces characters just to kill them off 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 real shock once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and various family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to taking a sudden shift toward "holy shit" territory. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still provides enough time to immerse in its world before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Origin
The film additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a recent batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the movie devoted a little more time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of context, the impact this affliction produces on people proves absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and are practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
Even better compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some instances of questionable choices (like any typical undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with whatever blunt instrument they find rather than freezing like prey in headlights while danger nears.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close location. 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 isn't flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters express gratitude toward one another seem much more sincere.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are successful scares, and because the film allows every personality sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and entertaining
