Typically, I'm over undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels largely depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. But, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Personal Development
Among this movie's strongest assets lies in the superb rhythm. It begins using a memorable initial scene where a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the disaster struck.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers enough time to become acquainted with the primary personalities before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a former best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out among the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about just two things: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly tense.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so invested in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film to showing viewers the identity of every family member is, and how they add to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing traits allowed the audience to relate with the characters enough to care about their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often presents characters only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine surprise once events eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark humor before making a sudden shift toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in the setting before everything gets upended.
Original Infection Source
This movie also offers a fairly interesting reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a recent batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the movie had spent a little more time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a deadly potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the impact this affliction has on people is absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very realistic, and are practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
Even better than the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some instances of dubious choices (as in typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object they find rather than freezing like prey caught in lights while danger nears.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters express appreciation for each other seem far more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are successful scares, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable
