Generally speaking, I've grown tired of undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for some time. But, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Development
One of the film's strongest strengths is its superb rhythm. It begins using a memorable initial scene where a calm family party gets suddenly disrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family prior to the disaster struck.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly allows the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a married mother whose former best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably led to a rift among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. This household head consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about just two things: his business and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so invested with this household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of its runtime depicting viewers the identity of every relative represents, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed the audience to connect to the personalities enough to care about their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently presents individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a real shock once events finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and various household exchanges in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid humor before making a sudden shift into "holy shit" territory. These introductory moments don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives sufficient time to settle into the setting before everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Source
This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the film had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a lethal elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this condition has on humans proves utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very convincing, and are practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
Even better compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see a few examples of questionable choices (as in any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with whatever heavy object is available instead of freezing like prey in headlights as death approaches.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for everything! trope often seen in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains holding onto resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once 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 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 immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters express gratitude for each other feel far more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're effective frights, and because the film allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining
