Generally speaking, I've grown tired of undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems largely exhausted 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 turning out quite entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Growth
One of the film's strongest assets is its superb pacing. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted by a van plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like stranger emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is then followed by a look back, allowing us to observe the family prior to the disaster occurred.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary personalities prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a former best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. This has predictably led to a falling out among the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household head consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film to showing us the identity of every family member represents, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently introduces characters only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to devour, so it's a real surprise when things finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy before taking an abrupt shift into "holy shit" territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to settle into its world before it gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
This movie additionally presents a quite interesting reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a lethal elixir that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of background, the impact this condition produces on humans proves utterly disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and they're almost certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of questionable decision-making (like any typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head 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 focus of familial discord when people 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 pardon you for everything! cliché often seen in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains holding onto resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters do show appreciation toward one another feel much more genuine.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight about family or society, either. Instead, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are successful scares, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable
