For the most part, I'm over undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre seems mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Character Development
One of this movie's strongest assets lies in the superb pacing. It begins with a striking opening sequence in which a calm family party is violently interrupted by a van crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see this household before the disaster struck.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main characters before the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably led to a falling out between the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he appears to care about only two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves extremely strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so engrossed in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime to showing viewers who each family member represents, and how they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing personalities allowed me to relate to the personalities enough to care about their outcome—a rare feat in a genre which frequently introduces individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a real shock when things finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy before making an abrupt shift toward shocking territory. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient time to immerse in the setting prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Source
The film additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition originates in a recent batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the film had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited background, the impact this condition has on people is utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and they're almost guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
More impressive compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of dubious choices (as in typical undead film), but generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find rather than freezing like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome realistic deviation 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 end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been building for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude for each other seem much more sincere.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are successful frights, and because the movie gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable
