Typically, I'm over undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels mostly depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations and proved remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Development
One of this movie's strongest assets lies in the superb rhythm. It kicks off with a striking initial scene in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a van plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to see the family before the disaster struck.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows the audience sufficient opportunity to get to know its main personalities prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former best friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. This has predictably caused a falling out between the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and who loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on her. The family head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so invested in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film depicting viewers the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled me to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat for this style that often presents characters just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a real shock once events eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and various household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking an abrupt shift toward "holy shit" ground. These early moments don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to settle into its world before it gets upended.
Original Infection Origin
The film additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a new batch of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more time explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to creating a lethal potion which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of context, the effect this affliction has on humans proves utterly disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and are practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some examples of dubious decision-making (like any typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object they find instead of standing still like a deer in headlights as death nears.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they agree over the phone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been building over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to push the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This makes the moments when these characters do show appreciation for each other seem much more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message regarding relatives or society, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are effective frights, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable
