Typically, I'm over undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems mostly depleted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been 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 remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Development
One of the film's strongest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins using a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle plows right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to see the family before the disaster struck.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience enough time to become acquainted with its main personalities prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. This has understandably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch is her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about only two aspects: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves extremely tense.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so invested in the family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could sound like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film to showing viewers the identity of every family member is, and how they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled me to connect with the characters enough to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often presents individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a genuine shock when things eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and various family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama with slightly dark comedy prior to making a sudden shift into shocking ground. These early moments don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to immerse in the setting before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Source
This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a recent batch of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more time on how Wani Waras transitioned 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 effect this affliction produces on humans is utterly disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and are almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see a few instances of questionable decision-making (as in typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object they find rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for everything! trope frequently used in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes the moments where these individuals express appreciation toward one another feel far more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep message about family or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're effective scares, and because the film gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and entertaining
