Generally speaking, I'm over undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre feels mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Character Growth
Among this movie's strongest assets is its superb rhythm. It begins with a memorable initial scene where a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a van plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know its main characters prior to the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has understandably led to a rift among the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on her. The family head is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about only two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely tense.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of its runtime depicting us who each relative represents, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities enabled me to connect to the personalities sufficiently to care about their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style which frequently presents characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a real surprise once events eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to making a sudden turn into "holy shit" ground. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to immerse in its world prior to it gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Origin
The film also offers a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause for this infectious condition originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the movie had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of background, the impact this condition produces on people is utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and are practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of questionable decision-making (as in typical undead film), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available instead of freezing like prey in headlights while danger approaches.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a welcome authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been building over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters do show appreciation for each other feel far more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're successful scares, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is a captivating and enjoyable
