For the most part, I'm over undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Character Development
One of this movie's greatest assets is its excellent pacing. It kicks off with a memorable initial scene where a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is immediately followed by a look back, allowing us to observe the family prior to the disaster struck.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows the audience sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary characters before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. This has predictably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. This household patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so invested with this family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of its runtime depicting us who each relative is, and how they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled me to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often presents individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a real surprise once events eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and various household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to making a sudden turn into "holy shit" territory. These early scenes aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to immerse in its world before everything gets upended.
Original Zombification Source
This movie additionally presents a quite interesting reason for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the movie devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a lethal potion that appears to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited background, the impact this affliction produces on people proves utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and are almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
More impressive compared to the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some examples of dubious choices (like any typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her family are inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters do show appreciation toward one another seem far more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound insight about family or society, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up scares. Yet these are successful frights, and since the movie gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is an engaging and enjoyable
