Typically, I've grown tired of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre feels mostly exhausted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. But, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Character Growth
Among this movie's greatest strengths is its superb pacing. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence in which a calm family party is violently disrupted when a vehicle plows into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see this household before the disaster struck.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough time to get to know its main personalities before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably led to a falling out among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and he loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. This household patriarch is her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about just two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot this was a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film to showing viewers who each family member is, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled me to connect to the personalities sufficiently to care about their outcome—a rare feat in a genre which frequently introduces characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a real shock once events eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy before making a sudden shift into shocking ground. These introductory scenes don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to immerse in the setting before it gets upended.
Original Infection Origin
The film additionally presents a quite intriguing reason for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the film devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of context, the impact this affliction produces on people is utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and are practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
Even better compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of dubious choices (like any any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of standing still like prey in headlights as death nears.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people start turning into zombies, which was a welcome authentic deviation from the "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 films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters do show appreciation toward one another feel far more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are successful scares, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable
