For the most part, I've grown tired of undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels mostly exhausted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. But, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations turning out remarkably entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Character Development
Among this movie's strongest assets is its superb rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene in which a calm family gathering is violently disrupted when a vehicle plows right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household prior to the disaster occurred.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough opportunity to get to know its main characters prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has predictably caused a falling out between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and who loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household head is her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so engrossed in the household's issues and their personal conflicts that I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film to showing us who each relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled me to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat for this style that often presents characters just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine shock when things finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and various household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama with slightly dark comedy before taking an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" territory. These early moments aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to immerse in the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Source
The film also offers a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a new batch of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the movie had spent a little more time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the limited context, the effect this affliction produces on humans is absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very convincing, and they're almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
Even better compared to the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Of course, we see some examples of questionable choices (like any any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning into zombies, which was a pleasantly authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments where these individuals express appreciation toward one another seem much more sincere.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound insight regarding relatives or society, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're successful scares, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining
