For the most part, I've grown tired of undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. But, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated and proved quite entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Development
One of this movie's strongest assets is its excellent rhythm. It begins with a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like stranger stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the tragedy struck.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience enough time to get to know its main characters before the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has understandably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and he loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so engrossed in the household's issues and their personal conflicts that I nearly forgot this was a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film depicting us the identity of every relative is, and how they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing personalities allowed me to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon accomplishment for this style which frequently presents characters just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a real shock once events finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking an abrupt shift toward shocking territory. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Origin
This movie also offers a fairly intriguing reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the film had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion that appears to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the limited context, the impact this condition produces on people proves absolutely disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear very convincing, and are practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of dubious choices (as in any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find rather than standing still like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they decide over the phone to regroup at a nearby location. But when Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This causes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation for each other feel far more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message about family or society, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. Yet these are effective frights, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining
