For the most part, I'm over undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems mostly exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. But, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Growth
One of the film's greatest strengths is its superb rhythm. It kicks off with a memorable initial scene where a calm family party is violently interrupted when a van plows into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like individual stumbles out proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to see the family before the tragedy struck.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers sufficient time to get to know its main personalities prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on her. The family patriarch is Nes' father, the owner of a popular natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly tense.
Invested in the Drama
I became so engrossed in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film depicting viewers the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities allowed me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often presents characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a real shock when things eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and various family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before taking a sudden turn into "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world prior to everything gets upended.
Unique Zombification Source
The film additionally presents a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the cause for this infectious condition originates in a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the movie devoted additional time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of context, the effect this condition produces on people is absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite convincing, and are almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of questionable decision-making (as in any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming to the undead, which was a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another seem much more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message about family or society, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are effective scares, and because the movie gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable
