For the most part, I've grown tired of undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations and proved quite entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Development
Among the film's greatest strengths is its superb rhythm. It begins using a striking initial scene where a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to see this household before the disaster occurred.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough time to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on Nes. The family patriarch is her dad, who runs a popular natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two things: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so engrossed in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I nearly overlooked I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime to showing viewers the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits enabled the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style which frequently presents characters just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to consume, thus it's a genuine shock once events eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and various family interactions in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy before taking an abrupt shift into "holy shit" ground. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to immerse in the setting prior to it gets upended.
Original Zombification Source
This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional time on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion which seems to contain a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this condition produces on people proves absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite convincing, and they're practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
More impressive than the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of dubious choices (like any typical undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, 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 all your mistakes!" trope often seen in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances when these characters do show gratitude for each other seem much more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep insight about family or community, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. Yet these are effective frights, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and entertaining
