Typically, I'm over undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems largely exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for some time. But, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Development
One of the film's strongest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense moment is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household before the disaster occurred.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with its main personalities before the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a married mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. This household patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he appears to care about only two things: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film to showing viewers the identity of every relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This focus on clashing personalities allowed the audience to relate to the personalities sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre that often introduces individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine shock when things eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy prior to taking a sudden shift toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in the setting prior to everything gets upended.
Original Infection Source
The film also offers a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease stems from a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. Although we do learn something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of context, the impact this affliction has on humans proves absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear quite realistic, and are practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
Even better compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some instances of dubious choices (as in any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like prey in headlights while danger approaches.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord when people begin transforming to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to push the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters express appreciation for each other feel much more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're successful frights, and because the film gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result is a captivating and entertaining
