For the most part, I've grown tired of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels largely depleted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. But, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations and proved remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Development
Among this movie's greatest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins using a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted by a vehicle plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like stranger stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe this household prior to the disaster occurred.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough time to become acquainted with its main characters before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. This household patriarch is her dad, who runs a popular natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and he appears to care about just two aspects: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so invested with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot this was a scary movie—which might sound like a drawback, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of its runtime depicting us who each family member is, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed the audience to connect to the personalities enough to care about their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre which frequently presents characters only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a real shock once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking a sudden turn toward shocking territory. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to settle into the setting before everything gets upended.
Original Infection Source
This movie also offers a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted additional time on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of context, the effect this affliction produces on humans is utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and are almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
Even better compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see some instances of questionable choices (like any any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are inventive and sharp. They also don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like prey caught in lights while danger nears.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord when people start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been building over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This causes the moments where these individuals express appreciation toward one another seem far more genuine.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound message about family or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are successful frights, and because the film allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining
