Typically, I've had my fill of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Character Growth
Among the film's strongest strengths is its superb rhythm. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family party is violently interrupted by a vehicle crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This intense moment is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the disaster struck.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers enough time to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a former best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and who loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on her. This household patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film to showing viewers who each relative represents, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing personalities allowed me to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat for this style that often presents characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise once events eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial 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 with somewhat morbid humor before making a sudden turn toward shocking ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to immerse in its world before everything gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Source
The film additionally presents a fairly interesting reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the impact this affliction has on people proves utterly disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very realistic, and are almost guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see a few instances of questionable choices (like any typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike an undead in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object they find instead of freezing like a deer in headlights while danger nears.
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 subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another feel much more genuine.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or society, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. But they're successful frights, and because the film allows every personality sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is a captivating and enjoyable
