Generally speaking, I've had my fill of undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre feels mostly depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. But, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Development
Among this movie's strongest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off with a striking initial scene where a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted by a vehicle plows right into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This intense moment is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the disaster occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary characters prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. This has understandably led to a falling out among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household head consists of her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about only two aspects: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves extremely strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a drawback, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of its runtime depicting viewers who each family member represents, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing personalities enabled the audience to relate to the personalities enough to care about their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often presents individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and various family interactions actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a Korean drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to making a sudden turn toward "holy shit" ground. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to settle into the setting before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Origin
The film also offers a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a new sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the effect this affliction produces on people proves utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and they're almost certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
Even better than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of dubious decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord when people start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree over the phone to regroup at a nearby location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This makes the moments when these characters express gratitude for each other feel much 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 presenting any deep insight about family or society, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're effective frights, and since the film allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable
