Typically, I've had my fill of undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels mostly exhausted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. But, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated and proved quite entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Development
One of the film's greatest assets is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off with a memorable initial scene where a peaceful family party is violently disrupted by a vehicle plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family before the disaster struck.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift between the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured yet socially awkward, and who loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. This household head consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two things: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely tense.
Invested in the Drama
I became so invested in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot this was a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of its runtime to showing us who each family member is, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits allowed the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often presents individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine shock once events finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama with slightly dark comedy prior to making a sudden turn into shocking ground. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives sufficient time to immerse in its world before everything gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Source
This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause for this infectious condition originates in a recent sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. Although some background is provided a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of context, the impact this affliction has on people proves utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and are almost certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of questionable choices (like any typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and sharp. They also don't hesitate to strike an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a pleasantly authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude for each other feel far more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound insight about family or community, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are successful scares, and because the movie gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable
