Generally speaking, I've grown tired of undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated and proved quite entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Development
Among the film's strongest assets is its superb pacing. It begins with a striking initial scene in which a calm family party is violently interrupted by a van crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This intense moment is then followed by a look back, giving viewers to see this household before the tragedy struck.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough time to become acquainted with its main characters before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a former best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has understandably led to a rift among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on her. This household head consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he seems to care about only two aspects: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely tense.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film to showing viewers the identity of every family member represents, and how they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—a rare accomplishment in a genre which frequently presents individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, thus it's a genuine shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama with slightly dark comedy prior to taking an abrupt shift into "holy shit" ground. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to settle into its world prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Origin
This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the film had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of context, the impact this condition has on people is utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and are almost certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
Even better compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some examples of dubious choices (as in any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. They also don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like prey caught in lights as death approaches.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still holding onto resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude for each other feel far more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight about family or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering frights. Yet these are effective frights, and since the film allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable
