Generally speaking, I've grown tired of undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems mostly exhausted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. But, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Development
One of the film's greatest assets is its excellent pacing. It begins with a striking initial scene where a calm family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a vehicle plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe the family before the disaster occurred.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly allows the audience sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with its main characters before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a married mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and who loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family head consists of her dad, the owner of a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about just two aspects: his business and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of its runtime to showing us the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities allowed me to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently introduces individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a real surprise once events finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to settle into its world before everything gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
The film also offers a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the film devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the impact this condition has on people is absolutely disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and they're practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better than the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some instances of questionable choices (like any any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like prey in headlights while danger nears.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict when people start turning to the undead, which was a pleasantly authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a nearby location. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters do show appreciation toward one another feel much more genuine.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight about family or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are effective scares, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and entertaining
