Generally speaking, I've grown tired of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category seems mostly exhausted at this point. 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 my expectations and proved remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Development
One of the film's strongest assets is its superb pacing. It begins with a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a van plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe the family prior to the disaster occurred.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with its main personalities before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a married mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family head consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two aspects: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so invested with this 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 negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film depicting us who each family member represents, and how they add to the general turmoil. This focus on conflicting traits allowed the audience to relate to the personalities enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat for this style that often presents characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a real surprise when things finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and various family interactions in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking a sudden shift into "holy shit" territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient time to settle into its world prior to it gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Origin
This movie also offers a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the movie had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this condition has on people is absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite convincing, and are practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
More impressive than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of dubious choices (as in any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than freezing like prey in headlights while danger nears.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people start turning into zombies, which was a welcome authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they agree over the phone to regroup at a nearby location. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another seem far more sincere.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message about family or community, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're successful frights, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable
