Generally speaking, I'm over undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems largely depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Character Development
One of this movie's strongest assets is its excellent pacing. It kicks off using a striking initial scene in which a calm family party is violently interrupted when a van crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household prior to the tragedy struck.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary personalities before the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. This has understandably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on her. This household patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a popular natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about just two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so engrossed in the household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot this was a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, but in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film depicting viewers the identity of every family member is, and how they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to connect to the personalities sufficiently to care about their fate—a rare feat for this style that often presents individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a real shock once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to taking an abrupt shift toward shocking territory. These introductory scenes don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to settle into its world prior to everything gets upended.
Unique Zombification Source
This movie also offers a quite intriguing reason for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. While we do learn something regarding its origins, I wish the film had spent a little more time explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the impact this affliction has on people is absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and they're practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of dubious choices (as in typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like prey caught in lights as death approaches.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord when people begin transforming into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been building for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals express gratitude toward one another seem far more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight about family or society, as well. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're successful frights, and since the movie gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and entertaining
