Typically, I'm over undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Growth
Among this movie's greatest assets is its superb rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene in which a calm family party is violently interrupted by a vehicle plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe this household prior to the disaster struck.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters before the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has understandably led to a rift among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and who loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves incredibly tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—which might sound like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film to showing viewers the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This focus on clashing personalities allowed the audience to connect to the personalities sufficiently to care about their fate—a rare accomplishment for this style that often presents characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a real surprise once events finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid humor prior to taking an abrupt turn toward shocking territory. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient time to settle into its world before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Source
The film also offers a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease stems from a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although some background is provided a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to creating a lethal elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this condition has on humans is absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and they're almost guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
Even better compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of questionable choices (like any any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights as death nears.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude for each other seem far more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. Yet these are effective scares, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable
