For the most part, I've grown tired of undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category seems mostly exhausted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. But, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated and proved quite entertaining.
Excellent Pacing and Character Growth
Among this movie's greatest assets is its superb rhythm. It begins using a striking opening sequence where a calm family party gets suddenly disrupted when a van crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This intense scene is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to observe the family prior to the tragedy struck.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough time to get to know the primary personalities before the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a rift among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on her. The family patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two aspects: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—which might seem like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of its runtime to showing viewers who each family member is, and how they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, so it's a real surprise once events eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before making an abrupt turn into "holy shit" territory. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to settle into its world before it gets upended.
Unique Zombification Source
The film additionally presents a fairly interesting reason for the source of the contagious transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the impact this condition has on people proves utterly disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and they're almost guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
Even better compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of questionable decision-making (like any any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object they find rather than standing still like a deer in headlights as death approaches.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord when people start turning to the undead, which was a welcome authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another seem much more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound message about family or community, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're effective frights, and because the movie gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and entertaining
