Generally speaking, I've had my fill of undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre feels largely exhausted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for months. But, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Personal Growth
Among the film's strongest assets is its superb rhythm. It kicks off with a striking initial scene in which a calm family party gets suddenly disrupted when a van plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This intense moment is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe this household before the disaster occurred.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient time to get to know its main characters prior to the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a married mother with a former best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on her. This household head consists of her dad, who runs a well-known natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two aspects: his business and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so invested in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot I was watching a scary movie—which might seem like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film to showing us the identity of every relative is, and how they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled me to connect to the personalities enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre that often presents characters just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine shock when things eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking an abrupt shift into shocking ground. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to immerse in the setting before everything gets upended.
Original Zombification Source
This movie also offers a quite intriguing reason for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause for this infectious condition originates in a recent batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion that appears to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this affliction produces on humans is absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and they're practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
Even better than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see a few examples of dubious choices (as in typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with whatever blunt instrument they find rather than freezing like prey in headlights as death nears.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for everything! trope often seen in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters do show appreciation for each other feel far more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep insight regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are effective frights, and because the movie allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining
