Typically, I've had my fill of undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels mostly depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Growth
One of the film's greatest assets is its superb pacing. It begins using a striking initial scene where a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted when a van crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to see the family before the disaster struck.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient time to get to know the primary characters before the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a married mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and he appears to care about just two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so invested in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film depicting us the identity of every relative is, and how they add to the general turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently introduces characters just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to devour, thus it's a real surprise once events eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and various family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama with slightly dark comedy before making a sudden shift toward shocking ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient time to immerse in the setting before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Origin
The film also offers a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a recent batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the film devoted a little more time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this affliction produces on people proves utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and they're practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of dubious choices (like any any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for everything! cliché frequently used in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide over the phone to meet up at a close location. 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 isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes the moments when these characters express gratitude for each other feel far more sincere.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message about family or society, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are successful frights, and because the film allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable
