Typically, I've had my fill of undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category seems mostly exhausted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. But, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Growth
One of this movie's greatest strengths is its superb pacing. It begins with a striking initial scene where a peaceful family party is violently disrupted when a vehicle plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe the family before the disaster struck.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough time to become acquainted with the primary characters before the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a married mother whose former best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on Nes. This household patriarch is her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about only two aspects: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot this was a horror film—which might sound like a drawback, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film depicting us the identity of every relative represents, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled the audience to connect to the personalities enough to care about their fate—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently introduces individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a real shock when things finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama with slightly dark humor before making a sudden turn into shocking ground. These early moments don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world prior to it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Source
This movie also offers a fairly interesting reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While we do learn something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a lethal potion that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of context, the effect this condition has on humans is absolutely disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and are practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
Even better compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are some instances of dubious decision-making (as in any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her family are inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object is available rather than standing still like prey caught in lights while danger nears.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been building for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This causes those instances when these characters do show appreciation toward one another seem far more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're successful frights, and because the film allows every personality sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining
