For the most part, 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 seems largely exhausted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. But, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Personal Growth
Among the film's greatest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins with a memorable initial scene where a calm family party gets suddenly disrupted by a van plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household before the disaster occurred.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with its main personalities before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has understandably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and who loves gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he appears to care about only two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—which might seem like a drawback, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of its runtime depicting viewers who each family member is, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing personalities allowed the audience to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment for this style which frequently presents individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a real surprise when things eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking a sudden turn into shocking ground. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to settle into its world before everything gets upended.
Original Zombification Source
This movie additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a new batch of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the movie devoted additional time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir that appears to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the lack of background, the effect this affliction has on humans is utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and they're almost certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some examples of questionable decision-making (as in any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick an undead in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with whatever heavy object is available rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights as death nears.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree over the phone to meet up at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This causes those instances where these individuals express appreciation toward one another feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are successful scares, and because the film allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable
