For the most part, I've had my fill of undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems largely depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for months. But, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Development
Among this movie's greatest assets is its superb pacing. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence where a calm family party is violently interrupted when a vehicle plows right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This intense scene is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household before the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with its main personalities prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household head is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he seems to care about only two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot this was a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of its runtime to showing viewers who each relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled me to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their fate—a rare accomplishment for this style that often presents characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise once events finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to making an abrupt shift into shocking territory. These introductory moments don't focus as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to settle into the setting prior to it gets upended.
Original Infection Source
This movie also offers a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While we do learn something regarding its origins, I wish the movie had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited context, the effect this affliction produces on humans is utterly disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and are practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive compared to the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of questionable decision-making (like any typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like a deer in headlights as death nears.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people start turning into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments when these characters do show gratitude for each other seem far more sincere.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're successful scares, and because the film allows every personality sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable
