For the most part, I've had my fill of undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre feels largely exhausted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Development
One of this movie's strongest strengths is its superb pacing. It begins using a striking initial scene in which a calm family gathering is violently interrupted by a van plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see the family before the disaster occurred.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough time to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household head is Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves incredibly strained.
Invested in the Drama
I became so invested with this household's issues and their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film depicting us who each family member represents, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing personalities allowed me to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat for this style that often introduces characters just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a genuine shock when things eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to making an abrupt shift into shocking ground. These early scenes aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to settle into its world prior to it gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Source
This movie also offers a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this affliction produces on humans is absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very realistic, and are practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
Even better than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of questionable choices (as in typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like a deer in headlights while danger nears.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes the moments where these individuals express appreciation toward one another feel far more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message regarding relatives or society, either. Instead, it's mostly delivering scares. But they're successful scares, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable
