Typically, I've had my fill of undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre feels mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. But, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Growth
Among the film's strongest assets lies in the superb pacing. It begins using a memorable initial scene in which a calm family party gets suddenly disrupted when a vehicle crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household before the tragedy struck.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives the audience sufficient opportunity to get to know its main personalities before the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former best friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably led to a rift among the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and who loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family head is her dad, who runs a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he appears to care about only two things: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—which might seem like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of its runtime to showing us the identity of every relative represents, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing traits allowed me to connect with the characters enough to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style which frequently presents individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, so it's a real surprise when things eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to taking a sudden turn toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient time to immerse in its world prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Origin
This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the movie devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a lethal potion that appears to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the impact this condition has on humans proves absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and they're practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
Even better compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see a few examples of dubious choices (like any typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with whatever heavy object they find rather than freezing like prey in headlights while danger approaches.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people start turning to the undead, which was a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for everything! trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they decide over the phone to regroup at a nearby location. But when Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters express appreciation toward one another seem far more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message about family or society, either. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are effective frights, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and entertaining
