Generally speaking, I'm over undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category 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, succeeded in defy my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Growth
Among this movie's strongest assets is its excellent rhythm. It begins with a striking opening sequence where a calm family gathering is violently disrupted by a vehicle plows right into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like stranger emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family prior to the tragedy struck.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift between the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two things: his business and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves extremely tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot this was a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film to showing us who each family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits allowed me to connect to the personalities enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often introduces individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine surprise when things eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before taking an abrupt turn into shocking ground. These early moments don't focus too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to settle into its world prior to everything gets upended.
Original Infection Origin
This movie also offers a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause for this infectious condition originates in a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the movie had spent a little more time on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of context, the impact this condition produces on humans is absolutely disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and they're almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
More impressive than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of dubious choices (like any typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available instead of standing still like prey caught in lights while danger nears.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for everything! cliché often seen in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a nearby location. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters express gratitude for each other feel far more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message about family or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up scares. Yet these are successful scares, and since the movie allows every personality sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and entertaining
