Typically, I'm over undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems mostly depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. But, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Growth
One of this movie's greatest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It begins using a memorable opening sequence where a calm family party is violently interrupted by a van crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking stranger emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This intense moment is then followed by a look back, allowing us to observe the family prior to the disaster occurred.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary personalities before the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably led to a falling out between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two aspects: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so invested in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—which might sound like a drawback, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film depicting us the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This focus on conflicting traits enabled me to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently introduces individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to consume, thus it's a real surprise when things eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before making an abrupt turn toward shocking territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting prior to everything gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
This movie additionally presents a quite interesting explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a new batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the movie had spent a little more time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a deadly elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited context, the impact this affliction produces on people proves utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and they're almost certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
Even better than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of dubious decision-making (like any typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. They also don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object they find instead of standing still like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict when people start turning to the undead, which was a pleasantly authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a nearby location. But when Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This causes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another feel far more sincere.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep insight about family or community, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are successful frights, and since the movie gives each character enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome is an engaging and entertaining
