Generally speaking, I'm over undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre feels mostly exhausted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. But, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated and proved quite entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Growth
One of the film's strongest assets is its excellent pacing. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family party is violently disrupted when a van plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This intense scene is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family prior to the disaster struck.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough time to get to know its main personalities before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has predictably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. 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, appears to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family head consists of her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he appears to care about only two aspects: his business and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so invested with this household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked this was a horror film—which might seem like a negative, but in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of its runtime to showing viewers the identity of every family member is, and how they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed me to relate to the personalities enough to care about their fate—a rare feat in a genre which frequently introduces characters just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine surprise once events finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and various family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy before making a sudden turn into "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient time to settle into the setting prior to everything gets upended.
Original Infection Source
The film additionally presents a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition originates in a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the movie devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a lethal elixir that appears to contain an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this affliction produces on people is utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and they're practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
More impressive than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of questionable decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like prey in headlights while danger approaches.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord when people begin transforming to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for everything! trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters express appreciation for each other feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message regarding relatives or community, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are effective scares, and because the movie gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves a captivating and entertaining
