For the most part, I've grown tired of undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems mostly depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Character Growth
One of this movie's strongest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence where a calm family gathering is violently disrupted when a vehicle crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household before the disaster struck.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two things: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly tense.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I nearly forgot I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of its runtime to showing us the identity of every family member is, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities allowed me to relate to the personalities enough to care about their fate—a rare accomplishment for this style that often introduces characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to devour, thus it's a real surprise once events eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and various family interactions in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor before taking an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" ground. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in the setting before it gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
The film also offers a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a new batch of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir that appears to contain an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this condition produces on people is utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and they're almost certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive compared to the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some instances of dubious decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights as death nears.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning into zombies, which was a welcome realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation for each other feel far more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight about family or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're successful frights, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining
