For the most part, I've had my fill of undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels largely depleted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. But, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Character Development
One of the film's strongest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family party is violently disrupted by a van crashes into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is then succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe the family before the disaster occurred.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows the audience sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a married mother with a former best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has predictably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he enjoys playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so invested in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film to showing viewers who each relative represents, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits enabled the audience to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat for this style which frequently introduces individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine surprise once events finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy before taking an abrupt shift into shocking ground. These early moments don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient time to settle into the setting before everything gets upended.
Unique Zombification Origin
The film also offers a quite intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this infectious condition originates in a new sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion that appears to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited background, the impact this affliction produces on people is absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very realistic, and are almost guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
More impressive than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Of course, we see some instances of dubious decision-making (as in any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find instead of standing still like prey in headlights while danger nears.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord when people start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang admits 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—feel realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude for each other seem much more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or society, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are effective scares, and because the movie gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable
