Typically, I'm over undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category seems largely depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. But, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Character Development
One of the film's greatest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It begins using a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted when a van plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic moment is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household prior to the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir truly gives the audience enough time to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a married mother whose former best friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and he loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he seems to care about only two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves extremely strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so invested with this family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film to showing viewers who each family member represents, and how they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits allowed me to connect to the personalities sufficiently to care about their fate—a rare accomplishment for this style which frequently presents individuals just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine shock when things eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to making a sudden turn toward "holy shit" territory. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough time to immerse in the setting prior to it gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
The film also offers a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the cause for this infectious condition originates in a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although we do learn something regarding its origins, I wish the film had spent a little more time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of context, the effect this condition produces on people proves absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a daring decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear very convincing, and are practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some instances of dubious decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights as death nears.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters do show appreciation for each other seem far more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep insight about family or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're successful scares, and because the film gives each character enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable
