Typically, I'm over undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre feels mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for months. But, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Personal Growth
One of this movie's greatest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off using a striking initial scene where a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a van plows right into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like individual emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the disaster occurred.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough time to get to know the primary characters prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has predictably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a popular natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two aspects: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so invested in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama that I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film to showing viewers the identity of every family member represents, and how they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing personalities enabled me to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often presents individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a real surprise once events finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a Korean drama with slightly dark humor prior to making an abrupt turn into shocking ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to immerse in its world prior to it gets upended.
Unique Zombification Origin
The film also offers a quite interesting explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent additional time on how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the limited context, the effect this affliction produces on humans is utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and are almost certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of questionable choices (like any typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find instead of standing still like prey in headlights while danger nears.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict when people start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters express gratitude for each other feel far more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message about family or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are effective scares, and since the film gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is an engaging and enjoyable
