For the most part, I've grown tired of undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels mostly depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. But, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Character Development
One of this movie's strongest strengths is its superb rhythm. It begins using a memorable opening sequence where a calm family party is violently interrupted by a van crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household before the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly allows the audience enough time to get to know its main personalities before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. This has understandably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and who loves gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on Nes. This household patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly tense.
Invested in the Drama
I became so engrossed in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime to showing viewers the identity of every relative represents, and how they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to relate to the personalities enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces characters only 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 real surprise when things eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and various family interactions in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a K-Drama with slightly dark comedy before making a sudden turn into shocking territory. These early moments aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still provides enough time to settle into the setting before it gets upended.
Original Infection Origin
This movie also offers a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the film had spent a little more time on how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to creating a lethal elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited context, the impact this condition produces on people proves utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and are practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive than the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of dubious decision-making (like any typical undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever heavy object they find instead of freezing like prey caught in lights as death approaches.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree over the phone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another seem much more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are successful frights, and since the film allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result is a captivating and enjoyable
