Generally speaking, I've grown tired of undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems mostly depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for months. But, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Development
Among this movie's strongest strengths is its superb pacing. It begins using a memorable initial scene where a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see the family prior to the disaster occurred.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough time to become acquainted with the primary characters before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and he loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family head is Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about just two aspects: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves incredibly strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so invested with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could sound like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film to showing us the identity of every relative is, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled me to relate to the personalities enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often presents individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a real surprise once events finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and various family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama with slightly dark humor prior to making a sudden turn into "holy shit" territory. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to immerse in the setting prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Origin
The film additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted additional time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of background, the impact this affliction has on people is utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and are almost guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
Even better than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of questionable choices (as in typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object they find instead of freezing like prey caught in lights as death nears.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, which was a pleasantly authentic subversion 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 movies. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been building for years. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters express gratitude for each other seem far more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep message regarding relatives or society, either. Rather, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are effective scares, and because the film gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and entertaining
