For the most part, I've grown tired of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre seems mostly depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Development
One of this movie's strongest assets lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence where a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted by a vehicle plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family before the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to 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 with a ex close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. This household head consists of her dad, who runs a popular natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about only two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama that I nearly overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film to showing viewers who each relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled me to connect to the personalities enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment for this style which frequently introduces characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a real surprise once events eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before making a sudden shift into shocking territory. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world prior to everything gets upended.
Original Infection Source
The film also offers a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a recent batch of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the movie devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this affliction produces on humans is absolutely disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and are practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
Even better compared to the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of questionable choices (as in any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than freezing like prey caught in lights while danger nears.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a pleasantly authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals express gratitude toward one another feel much more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep message regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're effective scares, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and enjoyable
