Typically, I'm over undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Growth
One of this movie's greatest assets lies in the superb rhythm. It begins with a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family party is violently disrupted when a van plows into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is then followed by a look back, allowing us to see the family before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift among the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. This household head consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two aspects: his business and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so engrossed with this household's issues along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—which might sound like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime depicting us who each family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This focus on clashing personalities enabled the audience to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style that often introduces individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a real shock when things finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a Korean drama featuring slightly dark comedy prior to taking a sudden shift into shocking ground. These introductory scenes don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in the setting before everything gets upended.
Unique Infection Origin
This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a deadly potion which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the impact this affliction has on humans is absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and are almost certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
More impressive compared to the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see a few examples of dubious choices (like any typical undead film), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like a deer in headlights as death nears.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for everything! cliché frequently used in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters do show appreciation for each other seem much more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are effective frights, and because the film allows every personality sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable
