Generally speaking, I've grown tired of undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for months. But, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations turning out remarkably entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Character Growth
One of the film's greatest assets lies in the superb pacing. It begins with a striking initial scene where a peaceful family party is violently disrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to see this household prior to the tragedy struck.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient time to get to know the primary characters prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has predictably led to a rift between the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on her. The family patriarch is Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so invested with this household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film to showing us who each family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed the audience to relate to the personalities enough to care about their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often introduces individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine shock when things finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and the multiple family interactions in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to taking a sudden turn into "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to settle into its world before it gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Source
This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a new batch of Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the film devoted a little more time on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the impact this affliction produces on people is utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and they're almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
More impressive than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Of course, we see some instances of dubious decision-making (like any any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object is available instead of standing still like prey in headlights as death nears.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome 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!" trope frequently used in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. But when Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel realistic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals express gratitude for each other seem far more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound insight about family or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are successful frights, and because the movie allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable
