Generally speaking, I've had my fill of undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems mostly exhausted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Development
One of this movie's strongest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins using a striking initial scene where a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a van plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like individual emerges proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to see this household before the tragedy struck.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and who loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. The family head is Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two aspects: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so invested in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film depicting viewers the identity of every relative represents, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled me to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently introduces characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine surprise when things finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama with slightly dark humor before taking a sudden turn into shocking ground. These early moments don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to immerse in its world prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Origin
The film additionally presents a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a recent sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. While we do learn a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir that appears to contain an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this affliction produces on humans proves absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and they're practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see a few instances of dubious decision-making (as in typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for everything! trope frequently used in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals express appreciation toward one another feel much more sincere.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are effective frights, and because the movie allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable
