For the most part, I've grown tired of undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre feels mostly depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved quite entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Personal Growth
Among the film's strongest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off using a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted when a van plows right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This intense scene is immediately followed by a look back, allowing us to see this household before the disaster struck.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient time to get to know its main characters prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. This has predictably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on her. This household head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he seems to care about just two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film depicting us who each relative represents, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled me to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style that often introduces individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine surprise when things finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before making a sudden shift into shocking territory. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient time to settle into its world before it gets upended.
Unique Infection Source
The film additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a new sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the movie devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a lethal elixir that appears to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this affliction produces on humans proves utterly disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and are practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
More impressive than the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of questionable choices (like any any good zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with whatever heavy object is available instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation 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 movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been building over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments when these characters express appreciation for each other feel far more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep insight about family or community, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering scares. But they're successful frights, and because the film gives each character enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable
