Generally speaking, I'm over undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems largely exhausted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. But, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations and proved quite entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Growth
One of the film's strongest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence where a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted by a van crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense moment is then succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see this household before the tragedy 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. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about only two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves extremely tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot this was a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, but in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of its runtime depicting viewers who each family member is, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled the audience to connect to the personalities enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre that often presents characters just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to devour, thus it's a real surprise when things finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama with slightly dark humor before taking an abrupt shift into "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to settle into the setting before everything gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Source
This movie also offers a fairly interesting reason for the source of the contagious transformation. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the film had spent a little more time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly potion that appears to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the effect this affliction has on humans proves utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and they're almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
Even better compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some instances of questionable decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with whatever blunt instrument they find rather than freezing like prey in headlights as death approaches.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters express gratitude toward one another seem far more genuine.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound insight about family or society, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're effective scares, and because the film gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable
