Typically, I'm over undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems mostly depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Growth
Among the film's greatest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off with a memorable opening sequence where a calm family party is violently interrupted when a van crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like stranger emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary characters before the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. This has predictably led to a rift among the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family head consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two things: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so invested with this family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of its runtime to showing us the identity of every relative represents, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing traits allowed the audience to connect with the characters enough to care about their fate—a rare feat for this style that often introduces characters just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine surprise once events finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark comedy before taking a sudden turn into "holy shit" territory. These early scenes don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough time to settle into its world prior to it gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Source
The film additionally presents a quite intriguing reason for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the film devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly elixir that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this condition produces on humans proves utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and are almost certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive than the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some examples of dubious decision-making (as in any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with whatever blunt instrument they find rather than freezing like a deer in headlights while danger nears.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters express appreciation for each other seem much more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message regarding relatives or community, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are successful frights, and because the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable
