Generally speaking, I've had my fill of undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Character Development
One of the film's greatest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle crashes into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the tragedy occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and who loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two things: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly strained.
Invested in the Drama
I became so engrossed in the household's issues and their personal conflicts that I nearly forgot this was a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of its runtime to showing viewers the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed the audience to connect to the personalities enough to care about their fate—a rare accomplishment for this style which frequently introduces characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine shock when things finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and various family interactions actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama with slightly dark humor prior to taking an abrupt turn toward shocking ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to settle into its world prior to everything gets upended.
Unique Zombification Source
The film also offers a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a new sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While some background is provided something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the movie had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion that appears to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this affliction has on people proves absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and they're practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
More impressive compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some examples of questionable choices (like any typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find instead of standing still like prey in headlights as death approaches.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a pleasantly authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters do show appreciation for each other seem far more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message about family or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're effective scares, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining
