For the most part, I'm over undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels mostly depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. But, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated and proved quite entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Growth
Among this movie's greatest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to see the family prior to the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, 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 with a former close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has predictably caused a falling out among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and he enjoys gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household head is her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, but in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film depicting viewers the identity of every relative is, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed me to relate with the characters enough to care about their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style that often presents characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, thus it's a real shock once events finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a K-Drama with slightly dark humor before taking a sudden turn into shocking ground. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to settle into its world before it gets upended.
Original Infection Origin
The film also offers a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the movie devoted a little more time on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion that appears to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the limited context, the effect this affliction has on people is utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very realistic, and are practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
Even better than the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of dubious decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her family are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like prey caught in lights while danger nears.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord when people start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still holding onto resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another seem much more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up scares. Yet these are effective frights, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable
