Generally speaking, I'm over undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre feels mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. But, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated and proved quite entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Growth
Among this movie's greatest assets lies in the superb pacing. It begins with a memorable opening sequence where a peaceful family party is violently interrupted by a vehicle plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family prior to the disaster struck.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough time to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he loves playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family head consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he appears to care about just two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so invested in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of its runtime depicting us who each relative represents, and how they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed me to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often introduces individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to consume, thus it's a genuine surprise when things eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama with slightly dark comedy before making an abrupt turn toward shocking ground. These early moments aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives sufficient time to settle into the setting prior to everything gets upended.
Original Zombification Source
The film additionally presents a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a recent batch of Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the movie devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the effect this affliction has on humans proves absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and are practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
Even better compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some instances of questionable decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like a deer in headlights while danger nears.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning into zombies, which was a welcome realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for everything! cliché often seen in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close location. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This causes those instances where these individuals express appreciation toward one another seem far more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are successful scares, and since the film allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable
