Typically, I've had my fill of undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels mostly exhausted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. But, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Growth
One of this movie's greatest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off using a striking initial scene where a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a van crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly allows the audience sufficient time to get to know its main characters before the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has predictably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. This household head is her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he appears to care about just two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves extremely strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so invested in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime to showing us who each relative represents, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled me to connect to the personalities enough to care about their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre that often presents individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine shock once events finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to taking a sudden shift toward shocking ground. These introductory scenes don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Source
This movie additionally presents a quite intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the film devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion that appears to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this affliction produces on people proves absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and they're almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
Even better than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of questionable choices (as in typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like a deer in headlights as death nears.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict when people begin transforming to the undead, which was a welcome realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still holding onto resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to promote the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters do show gratitude for each other feel far more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message about family or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. Yet these are successful scares, and because the film allows every personality sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable
