For the most part, I've grown tired of undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre seems mostly depleted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. But, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Character Growth
Among this movie's strongest strengths is its superb pacing. It begins using a memorable initial scene in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a van crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household before the tragedy struck.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. The family head consists of her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about only two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot this was a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film to showing viewers the identity of every family member is, and how they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed me to relate to the personalities enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently presents characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine surprise once events finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy before making an abrupt turn toward shocking territory. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to immerse in its world prior to it gets upended.
Unique Infection Source
The film additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the movie had spent additional time on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir that appears to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the impact this condition has on humans proves utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and are almost guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of dubious decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever 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 of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals express gratitude toward one another seem far more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message about family or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're successful scares, and since the film gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining
