Generally speaking, I've had my fill of undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre feels mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Development
Among the film's strongest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off with a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted by a van plows right into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family before the tragedy struck.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly allows the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary personalities before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and he loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. This household head is Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot this was a scary movie—something that could sound like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film to showing us who each relative represents, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This focus on conflicting traits allowed the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their fate—a rare accomplishment for this style that often introduces individuals just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, thus it's a real surprise once events eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and various family interactions in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking a sudden shift toward shocking territory. These early moments don't focus as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to immerse in its world prior to it gets upended.
Original Infection Origin
This movie also offers a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the cause for this contagious disease originates in a new batch of Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir that appears to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the effect this affliction produces on people is utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and are practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some instances of questionable decision-making (like any any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available instead of standing still like a deer in headlights as death approaches.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning into zombies, which was a pleasantly authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for everything! trope often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree over the phone to meet up at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals express gratitude for each other seem far more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound message regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are successful frights, and since the movie allows every personality sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable
