For the most part, I'm over undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre seems mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Character Development
One of this movie's strongest strengths is its superb rhythm. It begins using a memorable initial scene where a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a van plows into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to see this household prior to the disaster struck.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main personalities before the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably led to a rift between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on her. This household patriarch is her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so invested in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film depicting viewers the identity of every relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat for this style which frequently presents individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a real shock when things eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid humor before taking an abrupt turn into "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to settle into the setting before everything gets upended.
Original Zombification Source
This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the cause for this contagious disease originates in a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the movie had spent a little more time on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this affliction produces on people is utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and they're practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
More impressive than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of questionable choices (as in typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for everything! cliché frequently used in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters express gratitude for each other feel far more genuine.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight regarding relatives or society, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are effective frights, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable
