For the most part, I'm over undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems mostly exhausted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. But, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Growth
One of the film's greatest strengths is its excellent pacing. It begins using a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a vehicle plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like individual emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to observe the family before the disaster occurred.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough time to get to know the primary characters before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and who loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on her. The family head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot this was a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film depicting viewers the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre that often presents characters just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a real surprise once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking a sudden shift toward "holy shit" ground. These early moments aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to immerse in its world before it gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Origin
The film also offers a quite intriguing reason for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a new batch of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the movie had spent additional time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a lethal potion which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of context, the impact this affliction has on humans proves utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and they're practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
Even better compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of questionable choices (like any typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available rather than standing still like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome realistic 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 films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This causes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another feel far more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep insight about family or society, as well. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. But they're effective frights, and because the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is an engaging and entertaining
