For the most part, I'm over undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre seems mostly exhausted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. But, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Growth
One of this movie's strongest assets lies in the superb rhythm. It begins with a memorable opening sequence where a peaceful family party is violently disrupted when a van crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like stranger emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This intense moment is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe the family before the disaster struck.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough opportunity to get to know its main characters prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a falling out among the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. The family head is her dad, the owner of a popular natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and he seems to care about just two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so invested in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of its runtime to showing us who each relative represents, and how they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled me to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often presents individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine shock when things finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking an abrupt shift into shocking ground. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to settle into the setting before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
This movie additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the cause for this contagious disease originates in a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. Although we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this condition has on people proves absolutely disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and are practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some instances of dubious decision-making (like any typical undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than freezing like prey caught in lights while danger nears.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a pleasantly authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for everything! cliché frequently used in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree over the phone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals express appreciation for each other feel far more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's mostly serving up scares. But they're successful scares, and since the film allows every personality sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable
