Generally speaking, I'm over undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems largely exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Growth
One of this movie's strongest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins with a memorable initial scene where a calm family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a vehicle crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This dramatic scene is then followed by a look back, allowing us to see this household prior to the tragedy occurred.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient time to get to know the primary characters before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on Nes. This household patriarch is her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two things: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so invested in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot this was a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of its runtime depicting viewers the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits enabled the audience to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often presents individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a real surprise once events eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama with slightly dark humor before making a sudden turn into shocking territory. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still gives sufficient opportunity to immerse in the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Origin
The film additionally presents a fairly interesting reason for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a new sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the film devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this condition has on people is utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear very convincing, and are almost certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
Even better compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of dubious choices (like any any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. They also don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object they find rather than freezing like prey in headlights as death nears.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters express gratitude for each other seem far more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message about family or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are effective frights, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is a captivating and enjoyable
