For the most part, I've had my fill of undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems largely depleted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for months. But, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Development
One of the film's greatest strengths is its excellent rhythm. It begins with a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted when a vehicle crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family before the tragedy struck.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a former best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably led to a rift among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on her. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular 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 family reunion proves incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—which might seem like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film to showing us the identity of every relative represents, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on conflicting traits allowed me to connect to the personalities enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre that often introduces characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine surprise when things finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama featuring slightly dark comedy prior to making an abrupt shift into "holy shit" ground. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to immerse in its world before everything gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Source
The film additionally presents a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the film devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a deadly elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of context, the effect this condition produces on humans is utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and are almost guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see a few examples of questionable choices (like any typical undead film), but generally, Nes and her family are inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find instead of standing still like prey caught in lights as death approaches.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for everything! trope frequently used in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide over the phone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals express appreciation toward one another seem far more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight about family or community, either. Instead, it's mostly delivering frights. Yet these are effective scares, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is a captivating and entertaining
