Typically, I've grown tired of undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels largely depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. But, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Growth
Among this movie's strongest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted by a vehicle plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is then succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see this household prior to the disaster struck.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough time to get to know the primary characters before the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household head is Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so invested in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film depicting viewers who each relative is, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This focus on conflicting traits enabled the audience to connect to the personalities enough to care about their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style that often presents characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine surprise when things finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to making a sudden turn toward "holy shit" territory. These introductory moments don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to settle into the setting prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Origin
The film also offers a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a new batch of Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. Although we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the movie had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a lethal potion that appears to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited context, the impact this condition has on humans is utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and are almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see a few examples of dubious decision-making (like any typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like prey caught in lights as death nears.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they decide over the phone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude for each other feel far more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are successful scares, and since the movie gives each character enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable
