For the most part, I've had my fill of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre feels largely depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Personal Development
One of the film's greatest assets lies in the superb rhythm. It begins using a striking initial scene where a calm family gathering is violently disrupted by a vehicle crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household before the disaster struck.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with its main characters before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he loves gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about just two aspects: his business and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues and their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked this was a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film to showing us who each relative represents, and how they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled me to relate to the personalities enough to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a real surprise when things finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to making a sudden shift toward shocking ground. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough time to immerse in the setting prior to it gets upended.
Unique Infection Origin
The film also offers a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease stems from a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the movie had spent a little more time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the limited context, the effect this condition produces on people proves utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and are almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive compared to the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of dubious choices (like any any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the head, pierce 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 nears.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals express appreciation toward one another seem far more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound message about family or community, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering scares. But they're effective scares, and because the film gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable
