Typically, I've had my fill of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre feels largely depleted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Character Growth
Among the film's strongest assets is its superb rhythm. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly disrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like individual stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to see this household before the tragedy struck.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows the audience sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with its main characters before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. This has predictably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about only two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I became so invested with this family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of its runtime to showing viewers who each relative is, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed the audience to connect to the personalities enough to care about their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre that often introduces characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a real shock once events finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy before taking a sudden turn toward "holy shit" territory. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient time to settle into its world prior to it gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
The film also offers a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a lethal potion that appears to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited context, the impact this affliction produces on humans is utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very realistic, and are almost certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
Even better compared to the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of questionable decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object is available instead of freezing like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning into zombies, which was a welcome authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters express gratitude toward one another feel much more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message about family or society, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're successful frights, and because the film allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result is an engaging and enjoyable
