Typically, I'm over undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Growth
Among this movie's greatest strengths is its excellent pacing. It kicks off with a memorable initial scene in which a calm family party gets suddenly disrupted when a van crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking stranger emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This intense scene is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household prior to the disaster struck.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough opportunity to get to know the primary personalities prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has predictably caused a falling out among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on her. This household patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two things: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so invested in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, but in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of its runtime depicting viewers who each family member represents, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing traits enabled the audience to relate to the personalities sufficiently to care about their outcome—a rare feat in a genre that often introduces individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a real shock once events finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and the multiple family interactions in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to making an abrupt turn toward shocking ground. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world before it gets upended.
Original Zombification Source
The film also offers a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition originates in a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. Although we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the film devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited context, the effect this affliction produces on humans proves absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear very convincing, and are practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of questionable choices (like any typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object is available instead of freezing like prey caught in lights as death approaches.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people start turning into zombies, which was a welcome authentic 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 relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still holding onto resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude for each other feel much more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. Yet these are successful frights, and since the film gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result is an engaging and entertaining
