Generally speaking, I've had my fill of undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre seems largely depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. But, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Growth
One of the film's greatest assets lies in the superb rhythm. It begins using a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to see the family before the disaster struck.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary personalities prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has predictably caused a rift among the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—which might seem like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film depicting us the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This focus on conflicting traits allowed the audience to relate to the personalities enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat in a genre which frequently introduces individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a real shock when things finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and various family interactions in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to taking an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" territory. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough time to settle into the setting prior to it gets upended.
Unique Infection Source
The film additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the film had spent additional time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to producing a lethal elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited context, the impact this condition has on people is absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and are practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
Even better compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some instances of dubious decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest heavy object is available instead of standing still like prey caught in lights while danger nears.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, this proved a welcome realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they agree over the phone to meet up at a nearby spot. But when Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters express gratitude for each other seem far more sincere.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or society, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. But they're successful scares, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable
