Typically, I'm over undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category seems mostly exhausted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Growth
Among this movie's greatest assets lies in the superb rhythm. It begins with a striking initial scene in which a calm family party is violently interrupted when a vehicle crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is then followed by a look back, allowing us to observe this household before the disaster occurred.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly allows the audience sufficient opportunity to get to know its main characters before the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably led to a falling out between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two aspects: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film depicting us the identity of every relative represents, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits allowed me to connect with the characters enough to care about their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often presents characters just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine shock when things finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to making an abrupt turn toward shocking territory. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
This movie additionally presents a quite interesting explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this contagious disease originates in a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the film devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this affliction produces on people is utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and are almost certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive compared to the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some instances of questionable choices (like any typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument they find rather than freezing like a deer in headlights while danger nears.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord when people start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters do show appreciation for each other feel much more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound insight about family or community, either. Instead, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're effective frights, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is an engaging and entertaining
