For the most part, I've grown tired of undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category seems mostly depleted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Character Development
Among this movie's greatest assets lies in the superb pacing. It begins using a striking initial scene in which a calm family gathering is violently disrupted by a vehicle crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense scene is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household before the disaster occurred.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly allows the audience sufficient opportunity to get to know its main characters prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and who loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves extremely tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so invested in the family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of its runtime depicting us who each relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style which frequently presents characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a real shock when things eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama featuring slightly dark humor before making a sudden turn toward shocking ground. These early moments don't focus as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient time to immerse in the setting before it gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Source
The film additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause for this infectious condition stems from a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the film had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the effect this affliction has on humans is utterly disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and they're practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive compared to the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see a few instances of dubious decision-making (like any typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available instead of standing still like a deer in headlights while danger nears.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close spot. But when Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals express appreciation toward one another seem much more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are effective frights, and since the film gives each character enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result is a captivating and entertaining
