For the most part, I've grown tired of undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels mostly exhausted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. But, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations and proved quite entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Growth
Among the film's greatest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins using a memorable opening sequence where a calm family gathering is violently disrupted by a van plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like individual emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family prior to the disaster struck.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough time to become acquainted with its main personalities prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose former best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. The family patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about only two aspects: his work and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so engrossed in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film depicting us who each family member is, and how they add to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat in a genre that often presents individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a real surprise when things eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama with slightly dark comedy before making a sudden turn toward "holy shit" territory. These early moments aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to settle into its world prior to it gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Source
The film additionally presents a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease stems from a recent batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the movie devoted a little more time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion which seems to contain a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this affliction produces on people is absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and are practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
Even better compared to the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see some instances of dubious decision-making (as in any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord when people start turning to the undead, which was a welcome realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they agree over the phone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters do show gratitude for each other seem much more sincere.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep message about family or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are effective scares, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable
