Generally speaking, I'm over undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels largely depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Character Growth
One of this movie's greatest assets is its excellent pacing. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family party is violently interrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household before the disaster occurred.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient time to get to know its main personalities prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. This has understandably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household head consists of her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two aspects: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so invested in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of its runtime to showing viewers the identity of every family member is, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled me to connect with the characters enough to care about their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style that often presents individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, so it's a real surprise once events eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid humor before taking a sudden turn toward shocking ground. These introductory moments don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in the setting before it gets upended.
Unique Infection Source
The film also offers a fairly intriguing reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited context, the effect this condition has on people is absolutely disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very realistic, and they're practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
Even better than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of dubious choices (like any typical undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. They also don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like a deer in headlights as death approaches.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord when people start turning into zombies, which was a pleasantly authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances where these individuals express gratitude toward one another seem much more genuine.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound message regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's mostly delivering frights. Yet these are successful scares, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result is a captivating and entertaining
