For the most part, I've grown tired of undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for months. But, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Character Growth
Among this movie's greatest strengths lies in the superb rhythm. It begins with a striking opening sequence where a calm family party is violently interrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe the family before the disaster occurred.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience enough time to become acquainted with the primary personalities before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. This has understandably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. The family head consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two things: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film to showing viewers who each family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This focus on conflicting traits allowed me to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment in a genre which frequently presents individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a real surprise when things eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark humor before making a sudden shift toward shocking territory. These early moments aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough time to immerse in its world prior to it gets upended.
Original Infection Source
This movie additionally presents a quite interesting explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause for this infectious condition originates in a new sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the film had spent a little more time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a lethal elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the effect this affliction has on people is absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and are practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of questionable decision-making (as in typical undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like a deer in headlights while danger nears.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people begin transforming to the undead, this proved a welcome realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for everything! cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments where these individuals express gratitude toward one another seem far more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight about family or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're effective frights, and because the movie gives each character enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable
