For the most part, I've grown tired of undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems mostly depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. But, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Growth
Among this movie's strongest assets is its excellent rhythm. It begins using a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family party gets suddenly disrupted by a vehicle plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking stranger emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see the family prior to the disaster occurred.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly allows the audience sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with its main characters before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has understandably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and he enjoys playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch is Nes' father, the owner of a popular natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves extremely strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so invested in the household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked this was a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime to showing us who each family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled the audience to relate with the characters enough to care about their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently presents characters just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a real shock once events finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and various household exchanges actually evoke the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before making an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" ground. These early moments don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to settle into its world prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Source
This movie also offers a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the film had spent additional time on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion that appears to include an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited context, the effect this affliction produces on humans proves utterly disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and are practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
Even better compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some examples of questionable choices (as in any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest heavy object is available instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights as death nears.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people start turning into zombies, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been building over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another feel much more genuine.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message about family or society, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're effective scares, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable
