Generally speaking, I'm over undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre feels largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. But, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Growth
One of the film's greatest assets is its superb rhythm. It begins with a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like individual emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household before the tragedy struck.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. This has predictably led to a falling out between the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about only two aspects: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so engrossed with this household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film depicting us who each relative represents, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled me to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat in a genre that often introduces characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a real shock once events eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a Korean drama with somewhat morbid humor prior to making a sudden turn toward "holy shit" territory. These introductory moments don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides enough time to immerse in its world prior to everything gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a lethal elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this affliction produces on people is utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear quite convincing, and are almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
Even better than the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of dubious decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with whatever heavy object is available rather than standing still like prey caught in lights as death approaches.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people start turning to the undead, which was a welcome authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been building for years. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This causes the moments where these individuals express appreciation for each other seem much more sincere.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are effective frights, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable
