Typically, I'm over undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre feels largely depleted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Character Development
Among this movie's strongest strengths lies in the superb rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle plows right into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is immediately followed by a look back, allowing us to see the family before the disaster occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary characters before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a former best friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has understandably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he loves gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves incredibly strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a drawback, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film to showing viewers who each family member represents, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits allowed the audience to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat for this style which frequently presents characters only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a real shock when things eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before making an abrupt shift into "holy shit" territory. These introductory scenes don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to settle into the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Source
The film also offers a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the movie devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited context, the effect this affliction has on people proves utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and they're almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of questionable decision-making (as in typical undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available rather than standing still like prey caught in lights as death approaches.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict when people start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals express gratitude for each other seem far more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or society, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are effective frights, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining
