Typically, I'm over undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre seems largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Growth
Among the film's greatest strengths is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted when a van plows into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see the family before the disaster struck.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary personalities prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably led to a falling out between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and who loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on Nes. This household patriarch is her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so invested in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime to showing viewers the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits enabled the audience to relate to the personalities enough to care about their outcome—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often presents individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, 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 initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama with somewhat morbid humor prior to taking an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" territory. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough time to immerse in its world before everything gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Origin
The film additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the movie devoted a little more time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited context, the effect this affliction produces on humans proves absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear quite realistic, and they're practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of questionable choices (as in any good zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick an undead in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like a deer in headlights while danger nears.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, this proved a pleasantly 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!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they decide over the phone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals express appreciation for each other seem far more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message regarding relatives or society, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are successful frights, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable
