Generally speaking, I've had my fill of undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre feels mostly exhausted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Growth
Among this movie's strongest strengths is its superb rhythm. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence in which a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted when a van crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to see this household prior to the disaster occurred.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly allows viewers enough opportunity to get to know its main characters prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a married mother whose former close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has predictably led to a rift among the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family patriarch is her dad, who runs a popular natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two aspects: his business and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so engrossed in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film to showing us who each relative represents, and how they add to the general turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed me to connect with the characters enough to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style which frequently introduces individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise once events finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid humor before making a sudden turn toward shocking ground. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to settle into the setting before everything gets upended.
Unique Zombification Origin
This movie also offers a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a new batch of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While we do learn something regarding its origins, I wish the movie devoted a little more time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly potion that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited context, the impact this condition has on humans is absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and they're almost guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
Even better than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of questionable decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like prey caught in lights as death nears.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people begin transforming into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This causes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation for each other seem far more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're successful frights, and since the movie allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining
