Generally speaking, I've had my fill of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Growth
One of the film's greatest strengths is its superb pacing. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted when a van plows right into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household prior to the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient time to get to know the primary characters before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a former best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and he appears to care about only two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so engrossed with this household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime to showing us who each family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to relate to the personalities enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently presents individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, so it's a real surprise once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to making an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" territory. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to immerse in the setting before it gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Origin
This movie also offers a quite interesting explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this infectious condition stems from a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the film had spent a little more time explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this condition has on people is absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
Even better than the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Of course, we see some instances of questionable decision-making (like any typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a pleasantly authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they decide over the phone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been building for years. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters express gratitude toward one another seem much more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight about family or society, either. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are successful scares, and because the film allows every personality sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable
