Typically, I'm over undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels largely depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. But, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Development
Among the film's greatest assets lies in the superb pacing. It begins with a memorable opening sequence where a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see the family prior to the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows the audience sufficient time to get to know its main characters before the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and who loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and he seems to care about just two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so engrossed in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of its runtime to showing viewers who each relative represents, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled me to connect with the characters enough to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently presents individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise once events eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking an abrupt shift toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world before everything gets upended.
Unique Infection Source
The film additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease stems from a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a lethal elixir that appears to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited background, the effect this condition has on humans is utterly disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and they're almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
More impressive than the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of questionable choices (like any any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with whatever blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict when people start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for everything! trope often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been building over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters express gratitude for each other seem much more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight about family or society, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are effective frights, and because the film gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable
