Generally speaking, I've grown tired of undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre feels largely depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Growth
Among this movie's greatest assets is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence where a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a van crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household prior to the tragedy occurred.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two aspects: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves incredibly tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so invested with this family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film to showing viewers who each relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This focus on clashing personalities allowed the audience to connect to the personalities sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon accomplishment for this style which frequently presents characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, thus it's a genuine shock once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark humor before taking an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" territory. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough time to immerse in the setting prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Source
The film also offers a quite interesting reason for the source of the contagious transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although we do learn something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a deadly potion that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this affliction has on people proves utterly disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and are almost guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of dubious decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like a deer in headlights while danger nears.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, this proved a welcome realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they agree over the phone to meet up at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals express gratitude toward one another feel far more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering scares. But they're successful frights, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and entertaining
