Typically, I've had my fill of undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems largely exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated and proved remarkably entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Character Development
Among the film's greatest assets is its excellent pacing. It kicks off with a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a vehicle plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This intense moment is then followed by a look back, allowing us to see this household prior to the tragedy struck.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough time to get to know its main personalities before the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a married mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two aspects: his business and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves extremely tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime to showing us who each relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled the audience to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often presents individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a real shock once events eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy prior to taking a sudden turn into shocking territory. These introductory moments don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting prior to it gets upended.
Original Infection Origin
This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the film had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this condition produces on people proves utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and they're practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive than the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of dubious decision-making (as in any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like a deer in headlights as death approaches.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people start turning into zombies, this proved a pleasantly authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for everything! trope often seen in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This makes the moments when these characters do show gratitude toward one another seem much more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're successful frights, and since the film gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable
