For the most part, I've had my fill of undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre feels largely exhausted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been 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 entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Character Growth
One of this movie's greatest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence where a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted by a van plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This intense scene is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to see this household before the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary characters before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose former best friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has predictably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so invested in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of its runtime depicting us who each family member represents, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled the audience to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise once events eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor before making an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to immerse in its world before it gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
The film also offers a quite interesting reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a recent batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. Although we do learn something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more time explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir which seems to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the lack of background, the impact this affliction produces on humans proves utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and are practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of dubious choices (as in typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find rather than standing still like prey in headlights as death approaches.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide over the phone to regroup at a nearby location. But when Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been building for years. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This causes the moments when these characters express appreciation toward one another feel far more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. Yet these are effective frights, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable
