Typically, I've had my fill of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels largely depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting 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 quite enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Character Growth
One of the film's strongest assets is its excellent pacing. It begins with a memorable opening sequence where a calm family gathering gets suddenly disrupted by a vehicle crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see the family prior to the tragedy struck.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with its main personalities before the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has understandably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on her. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just two aspects: his work and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so invested with this household's issues along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film to showing viewers who each family member represents, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed the audience to connect to the personalities enough to care about their fate—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently presents individuals just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a real shock once events finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to taking an abrupt shift toward "holy shit" territory. These introductory moments don't focus too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to immerse in the setting before it gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Source
This movie also offers a quite interesting explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a new sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a lethal elixir which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited background, the effect this condition has on humans is utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a daring decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear quite realistic, and they're almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
Even better compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of dubious decision-making (like any typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. They also don't hesitate to strike an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find rather than freezing like prey caught in lights while danger nears.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict when people begin transforming to the undead, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used 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 bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree over the phone to meet up at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters express appreciation for each other seem far more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message about family or community, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're successful frights, and because the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable
