For the most part, I've had my fill of undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre feels largely depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. But, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated and proved remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Development
Among the film's greatest strengths is its excellent pacing. It begins with a memorable initial scene where a calm family gathering is violently interrupted when a van plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like individual emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is then succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see the family prior to the disaster struck.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main characters before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. Naturally, this has predictably led to a rift among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and he enjoys playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch is her dad, the owner of a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he appears to care about only two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so invested in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked this was a scary movie—which might seem like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film to showing viewers who each family member represents, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing traits enabled the audience to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style which frequently presents characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to devour, thus it's a real surprise when things finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to making an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" ground. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough time to settle into the setting prior to everything gets upended.
Unique Infection Origin
This movie also offers a quite intriguing reason for the source of the contagious transformation. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this affliction has on people is utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear quite convincing, and are almost certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive compared to the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Of course, we see some instances of dubious decision-making (as in typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like prey caught in lights as death nears.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord when people start turning to the undead, which was a pleasantly authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree over the phone to meet up at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters do show gratitude for each other seem much more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound message about family or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are effective scares, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is an engaging and entertaining
