Generally speaking, I've grown tired of undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels mostly depleted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Character Growth
One of the film's greatest strengths is its excellent pacing. It kicks off with a striking initial scene where a peaceful family party is violently interrupted when a van crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household prior to the disaster struck.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives the audience enough opportunity to get to know the primary personalities before the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a married mother with a former best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably led to a falling out between the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and he enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household head is her dad, who runs a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he appears to care about only two things: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film to showing us the identity of every relative represents, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed the audience to relate to the personalities sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces individuals just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to making a sudden shift toward "holy shit" ground. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient time to settle into the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
The film additionally presents a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the movie devoted additional time on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a lethal elixir which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the effect this condition produces on humans is utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and they're practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
Even better than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some examples of questionable choices (as in any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available instead of freezing like prey in headlights as death approaches.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a welcome authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been building over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation for each other feel much more sincere.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message about family or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are effective scares, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and entertaining
