Generally speaking, I've had my fill of undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels mostly depleted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Development
Among the film's greatest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It begins using a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family party is violently disrupted when a vehicle plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family before the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main personalities prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift among the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and he appears to care about only two aspects: his work and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a significant portion of its runtime depicting viewers the identity of every relative is, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits allowed me to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently introduces individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine surprise once events finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to taking a sudden turn into shocking ground. These introductory moments don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Origin
This movie also offers a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a new sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the film devoted a little more time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to creating a deadly potion which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the limited context, the effect this affliction has on humans proves absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and they're practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of dubious choices (as in typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find instead of standing still like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still 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. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters express gratitude toward one another feel far more sincere.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight about family or community, either. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are effective frights, and since the movie allows every personality sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is a captivating and enjoyable
