Typically, I've grown tired of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre feels largely depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated and proved quite entertaining.
Excellent Pacing and Character Growth
One of the film's strongest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It begins using a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted by a vehicle plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe this household prior to the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know its main characters before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a former best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. This has predictably led to a falling out among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch is her dad, who runs a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he seems to care about just two aspects: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues along with their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of its runtime to showing us who each family member is, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing traits enabled me to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style which frequently presents individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine shock when things eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy before making an abrupt shift toward "holy shit" territory. These introductory moments don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to settle into its world before everything gets upended.
Unique Zombification Source
The film additionally presents a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the film had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this condition has on people is utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and they're almost certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
Even better compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of dubious choices (as in any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object they find instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude for each other seem far more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message about family or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are effective frights, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable
