Generally speaking, I've had my fill of undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels mostly depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. But, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Development
One of the film's greatest assets is its superb rhythm. It begins with a striking initial scene where a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted by a van plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family prior to the disaster occurred.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with its main personalities prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and who loves gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on Nes. This household head is Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so invested in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked this was a scary movie—which might sound like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of its runtime to showing viewers the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often presents individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a real surprise when things eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and various family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama with slightly dark humor prior to making an abrupt turn toward shocking ground. These early scenes don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient time to settle into the setting prior to everything gets upended.
Unique Zombification Origin
This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the movie had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this condition has on people is utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and they're practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
More impressive than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of questionable decision-making (as in typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like a deer in headlights as death approaches.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord when people start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This causes the moments when these characters do show gratitude for each other feel much more sincere.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight about family or community, either. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. Yet these are effective frights, and because the film gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is an engaging and entertaining
