Generally speaking, I've grown tired of undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category seems largely exhausted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out remarkably entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Growth
One of the film's greatest strengths is its superb pacing. It begins with a memorable initial scene where a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle plows right into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like individual emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family prior to the tragedy occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient time to get to know the primary characters prior to the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a falling out between the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. This household head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he appears to care about only two things: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so invested with this household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film to showing us the identity of every family member represents, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed the audience to connect with the characters enough to care about their fate—a rare feat in a genre that often introduces characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a real shock when things eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and various household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy prior to taking an abrupt turn toward shocking ground. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to settle into its world prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Origin
This movie also offers a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. Although we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the effect this affliction produces on people proves absolutely disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, 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
Even better compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see a few instances of dubious choices (as in any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find rather than freezing like prey in headlights while danger approaches.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they agree over the phone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters express gratitude for each other seem far more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are successful scares, and because the film allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is a captivating and enjoyable
