For the most part, I've grown tired of undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. But, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Character Growth
Among the film's strongest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It begins with a striking initial scene in which a calm family gathering is violently disrupted by a vehicle crashes into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like individual emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household before the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience sufficient opportunity to get to know its main characters prior to the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. This has understandably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and who loves playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family head is her dad, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so invested with this family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime depicting us who each relative is, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed me to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat in a genre that often presents characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a real shock once events finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to taking an abrupt turn into "holy shit" territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world prior to it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Origin
The film also offers a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a new sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the film devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the impact this affliction has on humans proves utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite convincing, and they're almost certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
Even better compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some instances of questionable decision-making (as in typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with whatever heavy object is available rather than standing still like a deer in headlights as death approaches.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord when people begin transforming to the undead, this proved a welcome realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals express gratitude toward one another seem far more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound message about family or society, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are successful frights, and since the movie allows every personality sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining
