Generally speaking, I've grown tired of undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre seems mostly depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. But, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated and proved remarkably entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Personal Growth
Among the film's strongest assets is its superb pacing. It begins using a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted by a vehicle plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to observe the family prior to the disaster struck.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough opportunity to get to know the primary personalities before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift among the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and he enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. The family patriarch is her dad, the owner of a well-known natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two aspects: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so invested in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot this was a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, but in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film to showing viewers who each relative represents, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine surprise once events finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama with slightly dark humor before making a sudden turn into shocking territory. These early scenes aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to immerse in the setting prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Source
This movie additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the movie had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to producing a lethal elixir that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this affliction produces on humans is absolutely disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and they're practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some examples of dubious choices (like any typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object they find instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a pleasantly authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for everything! trope often seen in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide over the phone to regroup at a nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters express appreciation toward one another feel much more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message regarding relatives or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. Yet these are successful scares, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable
