For the most part, I've had my fill of undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels mostly depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. But, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Growth
One of this movie's greatest assets lies in the superb pacing. It begins using a striking initial scene in which a calm family gathering is violently disrupted by a vehicle plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to observe the family prior to the disaster occurred.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main personalities prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose former close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has understandably led to a rift among the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household head is Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he appears to care about just two aspects: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so invested in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama that I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—which might sound like a negative, but in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of its runtime to showing viewers who each relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing personalities enabled me to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment for this style which frequently presents individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a real surprise when things eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor before taking an abrupt shift into "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to settle into the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Origin
The film additionally presents a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the movie devoted a little more time explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a lethal elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the impact this condition produces on people proves utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very realistic, and are practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some instances of questionable choices (like any any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with whatever blunt instrument they find rather than freezing like prey in headlights as death approaches.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a pleasantly authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for everything! cliché frequently used in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters express appreciation toward one another seem far more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are successful scares, and because the film allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable
