Generally speaking, I'm over undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre seems mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for months. But, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Development
One of the film's strongest strengths is its excellent pacing. It begins with a striking initial scene where a peaceful family party is violently interrupted when a vehicle plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like stranger emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This intense moment is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe the family prior to the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir truly gives the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary personalities before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about just two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so invested in the family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked this was a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of its runtime to showing us the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled me to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their fate—a rare accomplishment for this style which frequently introduces individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, 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 sequences of the party and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor before making an abrupt turn toward shocking territory. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to settle into the setting before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
The film also offers a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a deadly potion that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the effect this affliction produces on humans is utterly disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and are practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
More impressive than the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see a few instances of questionable choices (as in typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest heavy object is available instead of freezing like prey in headlights as death approaches.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people start turning into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals express gratitude toward one another seem much more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message about family or community, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. But they're successful frights, and since the movie gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable
