Typically, I've grown tired of undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels mostly exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. But, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Character Growth
Among the film's greatest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It begins with a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a vehicle plows right into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe the family before the tragedy struck.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows the audience sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with its main personalities prior to the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. The family head is her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two things: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked this was a scary movie—which might seem like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film depicting viewers who each family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to care about their fate—a rare feat for this style which frequently presents individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor before taking a sudden turn toward shocking ground. These early scenes aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to settle into the setting before everything gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Source
This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting reason for the source of the contagious transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a recent sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the effect this affliction produces on people is absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and they're practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive compared to the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of dubious decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available instead of standing still like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people start turning into zombies, which was a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a close location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another feel much more sincere.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight about family or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are successful frights, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable
