Typically, I've grown tired of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre feels largely depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. But, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Personal Growth
Among the film's greatest strengths is its excellent pacing. It begins with a striking initial scene where a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a van plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is then followed by a look back, allowing us to see the family prior to the tragedy occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows the audience sufficient time to get to know its main personalities before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably led to a falling out between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on her. The family head is her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two aspects: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot this was a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, but in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a significant portion of its runtime to showing us the identity of every relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled me to connect to the personalities enough to care about their outcome—a rare feat in a genre that often presents individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine shock once events finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a Korean drama with slightly dark humor prior to making a sudden turn toward "holy shit" ground. These early scenes aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting before everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
The film also offers a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a new batch of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. Although we do learn something regarding its origins, I wish the movie had spent a little more time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited context, the effect this condition has on people is absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very convincing, and they're practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
Even better than the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some examples of questionable decision-making (as in typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike an undead in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object they find rather than standing still like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals express gratitude toward one another seem much more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're successful frights, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and entertaining