For the most part, I've grown tired of undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre seems largely exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Growth
One of the film's greatest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It begins with a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted by a vehicle plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family before the disaster occurred.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient opportunity to get to know its main characters before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. This has understandably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and he enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on Nes. This household head consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about just two aspects: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely tense.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, but in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime depicting us the identity of every relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled the audience to connect with the characters enough to care about their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre that often introduces characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a real shock once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to making an abrupt turn into shocking territory. These introductory moments don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides enough time to immerse in its world prior to everything gets upended.
Unique Zombification Origin
The film also offers a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak 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 explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a deadly elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the effect this affliction has on humans is utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and they're practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
More impressive than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of questionable choices (like any typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are inventive and sharp. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with whatever heavy object is available rather than freezing like a deer in headlights while danger nears.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a pleasantly realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains holding onto resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been building over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes the moments where these individuals express gratitude toward one another seem far more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're effective frights, and since the film allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining
