For the most part, I've grown tired of undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Growth
One of the film's strongest assets lies in the superb rhythm. It begins using a striking initial scene where a calm family gathering is violently disrupted when a vehicle crashes into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This intense moment is then followed by a look back, allowing us to observe the family prior to the tragedy struck.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know its main characters prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. This has understandably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on her. This household patriarch is her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he appears to care about just two aspects: his business and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so invested in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film to showing viewers who each relative is, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled the audience to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often presents individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a real surprise when things eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and various household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama with slightly dark comedy prior to taking a sudden turn toward shocking territory. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient time to settle into the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Origin
The film also offers a fairly interesting reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the movie had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the effect this affliction produces on people proves absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and they're almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
Even better compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of dubious choices (like any any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people start turning to the undead, which was a pleasantly realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been building over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters express appreciation for each other feel much more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound insight regarding relatives or society, either. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are effective scares, and since the film gives each character enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome is an engaging and entertaining
