Generally speaking, I'm over undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre seems largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. But, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Personal Growth
One of the film's strongest assets lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off with a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted by a van plows into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual emerges proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the disaster struck.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows viewers enough time to get to know its main characters prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably led to a falling out between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and who loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about just two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I became so invested in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I almost forgot this was a scary movie—something that could sound like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of its runtime to showing viewers who each relative is, and how they add to the general turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style which frequently presents individuals 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 shock once events eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor before making a sudden shift into "holy shit" ground. These early scenes aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to settle into its world prior to it gets upended.
Original Infection Origin
The film additionally presents a fairly intriguing reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a recent batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the movie devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir which seems to contain an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this affliction has on people proves utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
Even better than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some examples of dubious choices (as in any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with whatever blunt instrument they find rather than freezing like prey caught in lights as death approaches.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming to the undead, which was a welcome realistic subversion 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 apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree over the phone to meet up at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters express gratitude for each other seem far more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message regarding relatives or society, either. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're effective scares, and because the movie gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves a captivating and entertaining
