Typically, I've had my fill of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category seems largely exhausted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Character Development
Among the film's strongest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It begins using a striking opening sequence in which a calm family party gets suddenly disrupted by a vehicle crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household before the disaster struck.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly allows the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with its main personalities before the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he seems to care about only two aspects: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly tense.
Invested in the Drama
I became so invested in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime to showing us who each relative is, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities allowed me to relate to the personalities enough to care about their fate—an uncommon feat for this style that often introduces individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a real surprise once events finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor prior to taking an abrupt shift into "holy shit" ground. These early moments don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to immerse in the setting before everything gets upended.
Unique Infection Source
The film also offers a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the limited background, the effect this condition produces on humans proves utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite convincing, and are almost guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
Even better than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are some instances of questionable decision-making (like any typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. They also don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object they find instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for everything! trope often seen in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters do show gratitude for each other seem much more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep insight regarding relatives or society, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering scares. But they're effective scares, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable
