For the most part, I'm over undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre seems mostly depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. But, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Development
One of the film's strongest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins using a striking initial scene in which a calm family gathering is violently interrupted when a vehicle plows right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household prior to the disaster occurred.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough time to become acquainted with its main characters before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured yet socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two aspects: his work and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so invested in the family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked this was a scary movie—which might seem like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film to showing us the identity of every relative represents, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to connect to the personalities enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently introduces characters just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine shock when things eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before taking a sudden shift toward shocking ground. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient time to immerse in its world prior to it gets upended.
Original Infection Source
This movie also offers a quite intriguing reason for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this infectious condition stems from a recent batch of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. While we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the movie devoted additional time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this condition has on people is utterly disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very realistic, and are practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
Even better than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some instances of questionable decision-making (like any any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever blunt instrument they find rather than freezing like a deer in headlights as death approaches.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they agree over the phone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters do show gratitude toward one another feel far more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. But they're successful scares, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable
