Generally speaking, I'm over undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. But, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Growth
Among this movie's greatest assets is its superb pacing. It begins with a striking opening sequence where a calm family party gets suddenly disrupted when a van plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like stranger emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to see the family before the disaster struck.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough time to get to know the primary characters before the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a married mother with a former best friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. This has predictably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and who loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. The family head consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot this was a horror film—which might sound like a negative, but in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of its runtime depicting us who each relative represents, and how they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment for this style which frequently introduces characters just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to consume, thus it's a real surprise when things finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid humor prior to making a sudden turn toward shocking territory. These early scenes don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough time to settle into the setting before everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Origin
The film additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While we do learn something regarding its origins, I wish the movie devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited context, the effect this affliction produces on people proves absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and they're practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some examples of questionable decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like a deer in headlights while danger nears.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict when people start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals express gratitude toward one another seem far more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are effective scares, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable
