Typically, I've grown tired of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category seems largely depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Growth
One of the film's greatest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins using a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted by a van crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This intense moment is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe this household before the tragedy struck.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough time to get to know its main personalities before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on her. The family head consists of her dad, who runs a popular natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot this was a horror film—which might sound like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film to showing viewers the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment for this style that often introduces characters only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine shock when things finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and various household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy before making an abrupt shift toward shocking ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to settle into its world before everything gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Origin
This movie also offers a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. While we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted additional 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. Despite the lack of background, the effect this condition produces on humans proves utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and are practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
Even better than the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of questionable choices (as in any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available instead of standing still like prey in headlights while danger nears.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for everything! cliché frequently used in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a nearby location. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances when these characters express gratitude for each other seem much more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up scares. Yet these are successful frights, and since the film allows every personality sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and entertaining
