For the most part, I've had my fill of undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre seems mostly depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. But, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations and proved remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Development
Among this movie's strongest assets is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene where a calm family gathering gets suddenly disrupted by a vehicle crashes into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This intense scene is then succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household before the disaster occurred.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with its main personalities prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a married mother with a former best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on her. This household head is her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two aspects: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so engrossed with this household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of its runtime to showing viewers who each family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled the audience to relate to the personalities sufficiently to care about their fate—a rare feat in a genre which frequently introduces characters just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine shock when things eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before taking a sudden shift into "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to settle into its world before everything gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Origin
This movie also offers a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the movie had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this condition produces on humans proves utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and are practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive compared to the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some instances of dubious choices (as in typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, 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 abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters express gratitude toward one another feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight about family or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are successful frights, and because the movie gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable
