For the most part, I've had my fill of undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre feels mostly exhausted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. But, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Character Development
Among the film's strongest assets lies in the superb rhythm. It kicks off with a memorable opening sequence where a calm family gathering is violently disrupted when a van crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This intense moment is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe the family prior to the disaster struck.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has understandably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family head is Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I became so invested in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot this was a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film depicting viewers who each relative represents, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style that often introduces individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise once events eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and various family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to making a sudden turn into shocking ground. These early moments don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to settle into the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Source
The film additionally presents a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. While we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the movie devoted a little more time on how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this condition has on humans proves absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear very convincing, and they're practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
More impressive compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some examples of questionable choices (as in typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike an undead in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available rather than freezing like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict when people begin transforming to the undead, which was a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters do show appreciation toward one another feel far more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound insight about family or community, either. Rather, it's mostly serving up scares. But they're successful frights, and since the film gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable
