For the most part, I've grown tired of undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated and proved remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Development
One of the film's greatest assets lies in the superb rhythm. It begins with a memorable initial scene where a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted when a van plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then followed by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household before the tragedy struck.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary characters before the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably caused a falling out between the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. This household head is Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about just two things: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, but in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film to showing us who each relative is, and how they add to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities enabled the audience to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment for this style that often presents individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to making an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" territory. These early scenes aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to settle into the setting prior to everything gets upended.
Original Infection Origin
The film additionally presents a quite interesting explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a recent batch of Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the movie had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir that appears to contain an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this affliction has on humans is absolutely disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear very convincing, and are practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
Even better compared to the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of questionable choices (like any any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever heavy object they find rather than freezing like prey in headlights while danger nears.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a welcome realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. But when Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been building for years. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes the moments where these individuals express appreciation toward one another feel much more genuine.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're effective scares, and since the film allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable
