For the most part, I've grown tired of undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre seems mostly exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Development
Among the film's greatest strengths lies in the superb rhythm. It begins with a memorable initial scene in which a calm family gathering is violently interrupted when a van plows right into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe this household before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough time to get to know the primary personalities prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a married mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and he enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. The family head is her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film depicting us the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits allowed the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their fate—a rare feat in a genre that often introduces individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a real surprise once events eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before taking an abrupt shift toward shocking ground. These early moments don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world prior to it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Origin
This movie also offers a fairly intriguing reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the movie had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this affliction produces on people is utterly disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very convincing, and they're practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
Even better compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of questionable choices (as in typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like prey in headlights while danger nears.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome 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 apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This makes the moments when these characters express gratitude for each other feel far more genuine.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound insight regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are successful frights, and because the film allows every personality sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result is a captivating and enjoyable
