Generally speaking, I've grown tired of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre seems mostly exhausted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Development
Among the film's strongest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It begins with a striking initial scene where a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted when a van plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like individual emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is then followed by a look back, allowing us to observe the family before the disaster struck.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has predictably caused a falling out among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and who loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on Nes. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about just two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot this was a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of its runtime depicting us the identity of every family member represents, and how they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits enabled me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat for this style which frequently presents characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine surprise when things eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to taking a sudden turn toward "holy shit" territory. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient time to immerse in its world before everything gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
This movie additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this infectious condition originates in a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the film devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion that appears to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the lack of background, the effect this condition has on people is absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and they're almost guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive than the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of questionable decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like prey caught in lights while danger nears.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for everything! cliché often seen in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been building over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation for each other seem much more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound message about family or community, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are successful frights, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable
