Typically, I've had my fill of undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved quite entertaining.
Excellent Pacing and Character Development
Among this movie's strongest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It begins with a memorable initial scene in which a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted by a van plows into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family before the disaster struck.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough opportunity to get to know the primary characters before the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably caused a rift among the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household head is her dad, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot this was a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film depicting viewers the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits allowed the audience to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a real surprise when things eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor prior to taking a sudden shift toward shocking ground. These early moments aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to immerse in the setting prior to everything gets upended.
Original Infection Source
This movie additionally presents a quite interesting reason for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although we do learn something regarding its origins, I wish the movie devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the limited background, the effect this affliction produces on people is absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and are almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
Even better than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of dubious decision-making (like any any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like prey caught in lights as death approaches.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord when people start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals express gratitude for each other feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message about family or community, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering scares. But they're effective scares, and because the film gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable
