Typically, I've grown tired of undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Development
Among the film's strongest strengths is its excellent pacing. It begins using a striking opening sequence in which a calm family party is violently interrupted by a van crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to see the family prior to the tragedy occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough opportunity to get to know its main personalities before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. This household head is her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime to showing us who each relative is, and how they add to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing traits enabled me to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon accomplishment for this style which frequently introduces individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, so it's a real surprise once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and various household exchanges in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama featuring slightly dark humor before taking a sudden turn into shocking ground. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough time to settle into its world prior to it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Origin
This movie additionally presents a quite intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a lethal elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this condition has on humans is utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and they're almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of dubious decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of standing still like a deer in headlights as death nears.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for everything! trope often seen in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree over the phone to meet up at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another seem far more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message about family or society, either. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. But they're successful frights, and since the movie gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and entertaining
