Generally speaking, I've had my fill of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Character Growth
One of the film's greatest assets is its excellent pacing. It begins using a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted when a van plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like individual emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe this household before the tragedy struck.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient time to get to know the primary personalities before the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. This has predictably led to a rift between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family patriarch is her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he appears to care about only two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so invested in the family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts that I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a significant portion of its runtime depicting us who each family member is, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled me to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—a rare feat for this style which frequently presents characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise once events finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before taking an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" ground. These early moments aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough time to immerse in the setting before everything gets upended.
Unique Zombification Source
The film also offers a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a recent batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a lethal elixir that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited background, the effect this affliction produces on humans proves utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very convincing, and are almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
Even better than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some instances of questionable choices (like any typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family are inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like prey caught in lights as death nears.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide over the phone to meet up at a close location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This causes the moments when these characters express gratitude for each other seem much more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are effective scares, and since the film allows every personality sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable
