Typically, I'm over undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre feels mostly depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. But, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Character Growth
Among this movie's strongest strengths is its superb pacing. It kicks off using a striking initial scene in which a calm family party is violently interrupted when a vehicle plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is then followed by a look back, giving viewers to see the family before 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 carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable situation. This has predictably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and who loves gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. The family patriarch is her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two things: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film depicting us who each relative represents, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to relate to the personalities enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style that often introduces characters only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a real shock when things eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and various household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor before making an abrupt turn into shocking territory. These early moments don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient time to settle into its world prior to it gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the movie had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this condition produces on humans is absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and are almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
Even better compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of dubious decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. They also don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like a deer in headlights as death nears.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for everything! trope frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight about family or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are successful scares, and because the film gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable
