Typically, I've grown tired of undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels mostly exhausted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations turning out remarkably entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Growth
One of the film's greatest assets lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off with a memorable opening sequence where a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted by a van crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough time to get to know its main characters prior to the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out among the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and who loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. This household patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just two aspects: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I became so invested in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film depicting us the identity of every relative is, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits enabled the audience to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often presents individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, thus it's a real shock when things eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a Korean drama with somewhat morbid humor prior to taking an abrupt turn into "holy shit" territory. These early scenes don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to immerse in its world before everything gets upended.
Original Infection Source
This movie also offers a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the cause for this contagious disease originates in a recent batch of Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the movie devoted a little more time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir that appears to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the impact this affliction has on people is absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and they're practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
Even better compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of questionable decision-making (as in any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, this proved a welcome realistic deviation from the "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 relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been building for years. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances where these individuals express gratitude toward one another feel far more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound insight about family or community, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. But they're successful scares, and since the film allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining
