Typically, I've had my fill of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems largely depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. But, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Growth
Among the film's greatest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a striking initial scene in which a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted when a van crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like stranger emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This intense moment is immediately followed by a look back, allowing us to observe the family prior to the disaster occurred.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a married mother whose former best friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has predictably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and who loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on Nes. This household head is her dad, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about just two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so invested in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I almost forgot this was a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime to showing viewers who each relative represents, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed the audience to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment for this style which frequently presents individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, thus it's a real shock once events eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid humor before taking a sudden shift toward shocking territory. These early scenes aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient time to settle into its world before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Origin
The film also offers a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a recent batch of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the film devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a lethal elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of context, the impact this affliction produces on humans is utterly disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear very convincing, and are practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
Even better than the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of dubious decision-making (as in typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object they find rather than freezing like prey in headlights while danger nears.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord when people begin transforming to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This causes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude for each other feel far more sincere.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message regarding relatives or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're successful scares, and because the film gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining
