For the most part, I've had my fill of undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category seems mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Development
One of this movie's strongest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off using a striking initial scene in which a calm family gathering is violently interrupted when a vehicle crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like individual emerges proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic moment is then followed by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient time to get to know the primary personalities before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and who loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he appears to care about only two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so engrossed in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of its runtime to showing us who each relative is, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled me to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often introduces individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a real surprise once events finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid humor prior to taking a sudden turn toward shocking territory. These early moments don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to immerse in the setting before it gets upended.
Original Infection Origin
The film additionally presents a quite intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a new sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the movie devoted additional time on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this condition produces on humans is utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and are almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are some instances of dubious decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object they find rather than freezing like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals do show 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 a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep message regarding relatives or society, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're effective scares, and because the film gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable
