For the most part, I've had my fill of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre feels largely depleted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved quite entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Character Growth
One of the film's strongest strengths is its superb rhythm. It begins with a memorable initial scene in which a calm family gathering is violently disrupted by a vehicle plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows viewers enough time to become acquainted with its main characters before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on her. The family head consists of her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly tense.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so invested in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama that I nearly overlooked I was watching a scary movie—which might seem like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of its runtime to showing us the identity of every family member is, and how they add to the general turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine surprise once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama with slightly dark humor prior to making an abrupt shift toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to settle into the setting before it gets upended.
Unique Infection Origin
This movie additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the movie devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to producing a lethal elixir that appears to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this affliction produces on people is absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear quite convincing, and they're practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see a few instances of questionable decision-making (like any any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. They also don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object they find instead of freezing like prey caught in lights while danger nears.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for everything! trope often seen in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close location. But when Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been building for years. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This causes the moments when these characters do show gratitude for each other seem far more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep message regarding relatives or society, either. Instead, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're effective scares, and since the film allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable
