For the most part, I've had my fill of undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre seems largely exhausted at this point. 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, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Personal Development
One of this movie's greatest strengths is its superb pacing. It begins using a memorable opening sequence where a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe the family prior to the tragedy struck.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough time to get to know the primary personalities prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so invested in the family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot this was a horror film—which might seem like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of its runtime depicting us who each relative represents, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing traits enabled me to connect to the personalities sufficiently to care about their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre which frequently presents individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama with slightly dark humor prior to making an abrupt turn toward shocking territory. These introductory moments don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient time to settle into the setting before everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Origin
This movie additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the movie devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion that appears to contain an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the effect this affliction has on humans proves absolutely 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 succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear very convincing, and they're almost certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive compared to the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of questionable choices (as in any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like a deer in headlights while danger nears.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals 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 pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree over the phone to meet up at a close location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This makes the moments when these characters express appreciation for each other seem far more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound message about family or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are successful frights, and since the movie gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is an engaging and entertaining
