For the most part, I'm over undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre seems mostly depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Development
One of this movie's greatest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It begins with a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted when a van crashes into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to observe the family before the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary characters before the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a falling out among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he loves gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two things: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so invested in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot this was a horror film—which might seem like a negative, but in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film to showing viewers the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits enabled the audience to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently presents characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine shock when things eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama with slightly dark humor before making a sudden turn toward shocking territory. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to settle into the setting prior to it gets upended.
Unique Infection Source
This movie also offers a fairly intriguing reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While some background is provided something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the movie devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the impact this affliction produces on humans is utterly disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and they're almost certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive than the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see a few instances of dubious choices (as in any good zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a welcome realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide over the phone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another seem much more genuine.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering frights. Yet these are effective scares, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable
