For the most part, I'm over undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels largely exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Growth
One of the film's strongest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off with a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle plows right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family prior to the disaster occurred.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with its main personalities prior to the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—a clearly awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. The family head consists of her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film to showing us who each family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled me to connect to the personalities enough to care about their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style that often introduces characters just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before making an abrupt shift toward shocking territory. These early scenes aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world before it gets upended.
Original Zombification Source
This movie additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the film had spent additional time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion that appears to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this affliction has on people proves utterly disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and they're almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some examples of questionable decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object they find instead of freezing like prey in headlights as death nears.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, 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. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This makes the moments when these characters express appreciation for each other seem much more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. But they're successful frights, and because the film gives each character enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining
