For the most part, I'm over undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre feels mostly depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for months. But, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Character Growth
Among the film's strongest strengths is its excellent pacing. It begins with a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family party is violently interrupted by a van crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family prior to the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has predictably led to a rift between the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on Nes. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about just two things: his business and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly tense.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film depicting us the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits allowed me to connect to the personalities sufficiently to care about their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style that often introduces characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise once events eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking an abrupt turn into shocking territory. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient time to settle into its world prior to everything gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
The film also offers a quite interesting reason for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. While we do learn something regarding its origins, I wish the film had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to creating a deadly potion that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this condition produces on people proves absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and are practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
More impressive than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some instances of questionable decision-making (as in typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive 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 whatever blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like prey in headlights as death approaches.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, this proved a pleasantly realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been building over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another seem much more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message about family or community, either. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're effective scares, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is an engaging and entertaining
