Typically, I've had my fill of undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category seems largely depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Growth
Among this movie's strongest assets lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off with a memorable initial scene where a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted when a van crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is then followed by a look back, allowing us to see the family before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has understandably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family head is Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film depicting viewers who each family member is, and how they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits enabled the audience to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often presents characters only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine surprise when things finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before making a sudden shift into shocking ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to immerse in the setting before everything gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Origin
This movie also offers a quite interesting reason for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause for this infectious condition stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While we do learn something regarding its origins, I wish the movie had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this condition has on people proves absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and they're practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of questionable decision-making (as in any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available rather than freezing like prey in headlights as death approaches.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord when people begin transforming to the undead, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals express gratitude for each other seem much more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. Yet these are successful frights, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable
