Generally speaking, I've grown tired of undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems largely depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. But, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved quite entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Character Growth
One of the film's greatest assets is its excellent rhythm. It begins using a memorable opening sequence where a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted by a van plows right into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like stranger emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household before the disaster occurred.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient time to get to know its main personalities before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably led to a rift among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch is Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he appears to care about just two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime depicting viewers the identity of every relative represents, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits allowed me to connect with the characters enough to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often introduces individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to devour, so it's a real shock when things eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy prior to making an abrupt shift toward "holy shit" territory. These early moments aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in the setting before everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Origin
This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a new sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although we do learn something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the movie devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion that appears to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this condition has on humans is absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and are almost guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some examples of questionable choices (as in any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like a deer in headlights as death approaches.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a pleasantly authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree over the phone to meet up at a nearby spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been building for years. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals express gratitude for each other feel far more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are effective scares, and since the film allows every personality sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable
