Generally speaking, I'm over undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels largely depleted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. But, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Growth
One of the film's greatest assets is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a striking initial scene in which a calm family party is violently interrupted when a van crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like stranger stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly gives the audience sufficient time to get to know the primary personalities prior to the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift among the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to her. The family head is Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two things: his business and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so engrossed with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked this was a horror film—which might sound like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of its runtime to showing viewers who each relative is, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits allowed the audience to relate to the personalities sufficiently to care about their outcome—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often presents individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a real surprise when things finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and various family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy prior to making an abrupt turn toward shocking territory. These early moments don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough time to settle into its world prior to everything gets upended.
Original Infection Source
The film also offers a quite interesting reason for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited background, the impact this affliction produces on humans proves utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear quite convincing, and they're almost certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
Even better compared to the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of questionable decision-making (like any typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like a deer in headlights as death approaches.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for everything! trope often seen in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains holding onto bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know 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 because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters do show gratitude toward one another seem much more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. Yet these are effective scares, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable
