For the most part, I've grown tired of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels largely exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for months. But, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations and proved remarkably entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Growth
One of the film's greatest assets is its superb rhythm. It begins with a memorable initial scene where a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted by a van plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like individual emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to see the family prior to the disaster struck.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out among the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and he loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two aspects: his business and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film depicting us the identity of every relative represents, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled the audience to relate with the characters enough to care about their fate—a rare feat for this style which frequently presents characters just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a real shock once events finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before making a sudden turn into shocking ground. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting before it gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Source
The film additionally presents a quite interesting 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 batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the movie had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this affliction produces on people is absolutely disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and are almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
Even better than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of dubious choices (like any any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like prey in headlights while danger nears.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals express gratitude toward one another seem much more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are successful scares, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining
