Typically, I'm over undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre seems largely depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. But, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations and proved quite entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Character Growth
One of the film's strongest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle plows right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is then followed by a look back, giving viewers to observe the family prior to the disaster occurred.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir truly gives the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a married mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so invested in the family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a drawback, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of its runtime to showing us who each relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits allowed me to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat for this style that often presents characters only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a real shock when things finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to making a sudden turn toward shocking territory. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to immerse in its world before it gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Origin
This movie additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a recent batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the movie devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion which seems to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of background, the effect this condition produces on humans is utterly disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very convincing, and are almost guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of questionable decision-making (as in typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a pleasantly authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been building for years. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel realistic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments when these characters do show gratitude toward one another seem much more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts 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 mostly delivering scares. Yet these are effective scares, and because the film allows every personality sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and entertaining
