Typically, I'm over undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre seems largely depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Growth
One of the film's strongest assets is its excellent pacing. It kicks off with a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family prior to the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly allows the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. This has predictably caused a falling out among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and he enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, but in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of its runtime to showing viewers the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to connect to the personalities sufficiently to care about their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style which frequently introduces individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a real surprise when things finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and various family interactions in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy before making a sudden turn into "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient time to settle into the setting prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Source
The film also offers a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. While we do learn a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted additional time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this affliction produces on people proves absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and are practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive than the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of dubious decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object is available instead of freezing like a deer in headlights as death approaches.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict when people begin transforming to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to promote the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation for each other feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep message about family or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're successful scares, and since the film allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is an engaging and enjoyable
