For the most part, I've grown tired of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Development
One of this movie's strongest strengths is its superb pacing. It kicks off with a memorable initial scene where a calm family gathering is violently interrupted when a van plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family before the tragedy struck.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly allows the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary characters before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out between the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about only two things: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime to showing us who each family member is, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled me to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their fate—a rare feat for this style which frequently introduces characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a real surprise once events eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor before taking a sudden shift into "holy shit" territory. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to immerse in the setting before everything gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Origin
The film also offers a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a new batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the film had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this condition produces on humans is absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and they're almost certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some examples of dubious choices (as in any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like a deer in headlights as death nears.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still holding onto resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide over the phone to regroup at a nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another feel far more genuine.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're effective scares, and because the film allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable
