For the most part, I've grown tired of undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems largely depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for months. But, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Personal Growth
Among the film's greatest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It kicks off with a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a van crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household before the tragedy struck.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with its main personalities before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out between the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked I was watching a scary movie—which might seem like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of its runtime depicting viewers the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often presents characters just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to devour, so it's a real surprise when things eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and various household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before making a sudden turn toward shocking ground. These introductory scenes don't focus too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to immerse in its world before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Source
The film also offers a quite intriguing reason for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a recent batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir that appears to contain an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the effect this affliction produces on humans is utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and they're practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see a few instances of dubious decision-making (like any typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with whatever heavy object they find rather than freezing like prey in headlights while danger nears.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, which was a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for everything! trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters do show gratitude toward one another feel far more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of 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, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering scares. But they're successful frights, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and entertaining
