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 gripping, this category feels largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. But, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Development
Among the film's greatest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins using a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted by a van crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe the family before the disaster struck.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient time to get to know the primary personalities prior to the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. This has understandably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. This household head consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two things: his business and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—which might seem like a negative, but in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film depicting viewers who each relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities allowed me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to care about their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently presents individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine surprise once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and various family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor before taking an abrupt turn into shocking ground. These early moments aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient time to immerse in its world before everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Source
This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie devoted a little more time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this affliction produces on humans is utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and they're practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of dubious decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with whatever heavy object is available instead of standing still like prey caught in lights as death approaches.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for everything! trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals express appreciation for each other feel much more genuine.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound message about family or community, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are successful frights, and since the film gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is an engaging and enjoyable
