Typically, I'm over undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels largely exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. But, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Growth
Among the film's strongest strengths is its excellent pacing. It kicks off with a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family party is violently disrupted when a van crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family prior to the tragedy occurred.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly allows the audience sufficient time to get to know its main personalities before the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. This has predictably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and who loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two aspects: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so invested in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film depicting viewers the identity of every family member is, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled the audience to relate with the characters enough to care about their fate—an uncommon feat for this style that often presents characters just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a real shock once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and various household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before taking an abrupt turn into shocking ground. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to settle into the setting prior to everything gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
This movie also offers a quite interesting explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause for this contagious disease originates in a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. Although we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the film had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a lethal elixir which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of context, the impact this condition has on humans proves absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and are practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
More impressive compared to the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see a few examples of dubious decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available instead of standing still like prey in headlights as death approaches.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for everything! cliché 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 clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close 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 family—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments when these characters do show appreciation for each other seem far more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound insight regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're effective scares, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is an engaging and entertaining
