Typically, I'm over zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre seems largely depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Character Development
One of the film's greatest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It begins with a memorable initial scene in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly disrupted by a van crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like individual emerges proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This intense scene is then followed by a look back, allowing us to see the family before the disaster occurred.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough opportunity to get to know the primary characters prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has understandably led to a rift between the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and who loves playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about just two aspects: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts that I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film depicting us who each relative is, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits allowed the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently presents characters just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a real surprise once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to taking an abrupt turn toward shocking territory. These early scenes don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient time to immerse in the setting before everything gets upended.
Original Infection Origin
The film additionally presents a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause for this infectious condition stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although some background is provided a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this condition produces on humans is absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and are practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
Even better than the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see some instances of questionable choices (like any any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her family are inventive and sharp. Additionally, they 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 prey caught in lights as death nears.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord when people begin transforming to the undead, which was a pleasantly realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for everything! cliché often seen in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals express appreciation toward one another feel much more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep insight about family or community, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are effective frights, and because the film allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining
