Typically, I've grown tired of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre seems largely exhausted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Development
Among this movie's greatest assets lies in the superb pacing. It begins using a memorable initial scene in which a calm family party is violently disrupted when a vehicle plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This intense moment is then succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see this household before the tragedy struck.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary characters before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet socially awkward, and who loves gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. The family patriarch is her dad, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two things: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of its runtime depicting us the identity of every family member represents, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled me to connect to the personalities enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat for this style that often presents characters just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to devour, thus it's a real surprise once events finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama with slightly dark comedy before making a sudden shift toward "holy shit" territory. These early moments aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to immerse in the setting prior to it gets upended.
Unique Zombification Origin
The film also offers a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a recent batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. While we do learn something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of context, the effect this affliction produces on humans proves utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and they're almost certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of dubious decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights as death nears.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning into zombies, which was a welcome authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for everything! trope often seen in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This causes those instances when these characters do show appreciation toward one another feel far more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion 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 serving up scares. Yet these are successful scares, and because the movie gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable
