Typically, I've grown tired of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre feels mostly depleted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Development
Among the film's strongest strengths is its superb rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe this household before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. This has understandably caused a falling out between the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on her. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I became so engrossed with this household's issues along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film depicting viewers who each relative represents, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing personalities allowed me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often presents characters only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise when things finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a Korean drama with slightly dark humor prior to taking a sudden shift toward shocking territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough time to immerse in its world prior to it gets upended.
Unique Infection Source
This movie also offers a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a recent batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. While we do learn something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film devoted additional time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a deadly elixir that appears to contain an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this affliction produces on people is absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and are almost certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
Even better compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some instances of dubious decision-making (as in any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with whatever heavy object they find instead of standing still like a deer in headlights as death approaches.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord when people 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! cliché often seen in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters express gratitude for each other seem far more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep insight about family or society, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up scares. Yet these are successful scares, and because the film gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and entertaining
