Typically, I'm over undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre seems largely depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Growth
Among this movie's strongest assets is its superb rhythm. It begins using a memorable initial scene in which a calm family gathering is violently disrupted by a van plows into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like stranger stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family prior to the disaster struck.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters before the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a married mother whose former close friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and he enjoys gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on Nes. This household head is Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about only two aspects: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues and their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked this was a scary movie—which might sound like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime depicting viewers who each family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing traits allowed the audience to relate to the personalities enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style that often introduces characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine surprise when things finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama featuring slightly dark humor before taking a sudden shift toward "holy shit" territory. These introductory scenes don't focus too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to immerse in its world before everything gets upended.
Original Zombification Source
The film additionally presents a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease stems from a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the film had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion that appears to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this condition produces on people proves absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very realistic, and are practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better than the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of dubious decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family are inventive and sharp. They also don't hesitate to strike an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object is available rather than freezing like prey caught in lights as death nears.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people start turning to the undead, which was a pleasantly authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for everything! trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been building over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters do show appreciation toward one another seem far more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're effective scares, and because the movie allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining
