Typically, I'm over undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations turning out remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Growth
Among this movie's strongest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a striking initial scene where a peaceful family party is violently interrupted when a vehicle crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe the family prior to the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough opportunity to get to know its main characters before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household head is her dad, the owner of a well-known natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves incredibly strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film depicting viewers the identity of every relative is, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing traits enabled the audience to connect to the personalities enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often introduces individuals just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to consume, thus it's a real surprise when things eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama featuring slightly dark humor before making a sudden turn toward "holy shit" territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to settle into the setting prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
The film additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a recent sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more time explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion that appears to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the effect this condition has on people proves utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and they're practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
More impressive than the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of dubious decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find rather than freezing like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a welcome realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree over the phone to meet up at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals express appreciation toward one another feel much more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message about family or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're successful frights, and since the movie gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining
