For the most part, I've had my fill of undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels largely depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Personal Growth
One of this movie's strongest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene where a peaceful family party is violently disrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like individual emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to see this household before the disaster struck.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough time to become acquainted with the primary characters before the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. The family head consists of her dad, the owner of a popular natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so engrossed in the household's issues and their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—which might sound like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film depicting viewers the identity of every relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits enabled the audience to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often presents characters just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, thus it's a real surprise when things eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and various family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before taking a sudden shift toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to settle into its world before it gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
This movie additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While we do learn something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this condition has on people is utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and are practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of dubious decision-making (like any typical undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights as death nears.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict when people start turning into zombies, this proved a pleasantly authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals express appreciation for each other seem far more sincere.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message about family or society, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are successful scares, and because the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining
