For the most part, I've grown tired of undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels mostly exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Character Growth
One of this movie's greatest assets is its excellent rhythm. It begins with a striking initial scene where a calm family party is violently interrupted by a vehicle crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the tragedy occurred.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with its main personalities prior to the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a married mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. This has understandably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family head is her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he appears to care about only two aspects: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues and their personal conflicts that I almost forgot this was a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film depicting us who each relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits allowed me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat in a genre that often introduces individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a real surprise once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to taking a sudden turn into "holy shit" territory. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to settle into its world prior to everything gets upended.
Unique Infection Origin
This movie additionally presents a quite interesting explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a recent batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the movie had spent a little more time explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly potion which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited background, the effect this affliction has on humans proves utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and they're practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of dubious choices (like any typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are inventive and sharp. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find rather than standing still like a deer in headlights as death approaches.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict when people begin transforming to the undead, which was a pleasantly authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for everything! trope often seen in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been building for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another seem far more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message about family or community, either. Instead, it's mostly delivering frights. Yet these are effective frights, and because the movie gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable
