Typically, I've had my fill of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels largely exhausted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Growth
One of the film's strongest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off with a striking initial scene in which a calm family party is violently interrupted by a vehicle crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like stranger emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately followed by a look back, allowing us to observe the family prior to the tragedy occurred.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with its main characters before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. This household head consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two things: his business and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked this was a horror film—which might seem like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film to showing viewers the identity of every family member represents, and how they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits allowed me to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently presents characters just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine surprise when things eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and various family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy prior to taking an abrupt turn toward shocking territory. These introductory moments don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to settle into its world before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
The film also offers a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause for this infectious condition originates in a recent batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the film devoted a little more time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited context, the impact this condition produces on humans proves absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and they're practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see some instances of dubious choices (as in typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object they find rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord when people begin transforming to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for everything! trope often seen in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree over the phone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation for each other seem much more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound message about family or society, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. Yet these are successful scares, and since the film allows every personality sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable
