Generally speaking, I've grown tired of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels largely depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Character Growth
One of this movie's strongest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins with a memorable initial scene in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense scene is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to see this household prior to the disaster occurred.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary personalities before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a former best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably led to a rift between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on her. This household patriarch is her dad, who runs a popular natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and he seems to care about only two aspects: his business and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so engrossed in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime to showing us the identity of every relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing traits enabled me to connect with the characters enough to care about their outcome—a rare feat for this style which frequently introduces individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a real surprise when things finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy before making an abrupt turn into shocking territory. These introductory moments don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient time to settle into its world before everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
This movie also offers a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause for this contagious disease originates in a new sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. While we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the film had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly potion that appears to contain an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the effect this condition produces on people proves utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear quite realistic, and they're practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some instances of dubious choices (as in any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick an undead in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with whatever blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like prey in headlights as death nears.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord when people begin transforming into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters express gratitude toward one another feel far more sincere.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message about family or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're effective scares, and because the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable
