Generally speaking, I've grown tired of undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels largely exhausted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for some time. But, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations and proved quite entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Personal Development
Among the film's strongest assets lies in the superb rhythm. It begins using a memorable initial scene where a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted by a van plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see the family prior to the disaster struck.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough time to become acquainted with the primary personalities before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he loves playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two aspects: his business and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I became so invested with this family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film to showing us the identity of every family member is, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities allowed me to connect to the personalities enough to care about their outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre that often presents individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a real surprise when things finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before making an abrupt turn into shocking ground. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world prior to it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Source
This movie also offers a fairly interesting reason for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a recent batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the film devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir that appears to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this condition produces on humans is absolutely disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and they're almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
Even better compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see some examples of dubious choices (as in typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to promote the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This causes the moments where these individuals express gratitude toward one another feel far more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight about family or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're successful scares, and because the film gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and entertaining
