Generally speaking, I've had my fill of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels mostly exhausted 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 my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Character Development
Among this movie's greatest assets lies in the superb pacing. It begins using a striking opening sequence where a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a van plows into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense scene is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household before the tragedy struck.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know its main personalities before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a married mother whose former best friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has predictably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet socially awkward, and who loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family head is her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about just two aspects: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves incredibly tense.
Invested in the Drama
I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could sound like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a significant portion of its runtime to showing us the identity of every relative is, and how they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits allowed the audience to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment for this style which frequently introduces characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise once events finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking an abrupt turn into shocking ground. These early moments don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to settle into the setting before everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
This movie also offers a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease stems from a new batch of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the film devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly elixir which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this condition has on people proves absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and are practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
More impressive than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see a few examples of questionable choices (like any typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. But when Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes is not perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters express appreciation toward one another seem far more sincere.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are effective frights, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable
