For the most part, I've had my fill of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre seems mostly depleted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for some time. But, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.
Excellent Pacing and Character Growth
Among the film's strongest assets is its superb pacing. It kicks off using a striking initial scene where a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle plows into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is then succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see the family before the disaster struck.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly allows the audience enough opportunity to get to know its main characters before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. This has predictably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a well-known natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely tense.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so invested in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime depicting us who each relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing traits allowed me to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often introduces characters only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine shock when things finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking an abrupt shift into "holy shit" territory. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient time to settle into the setting before it gets upended.
Original Infection Origin
The film additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the film had spent a little more time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir that appears to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this affliction has on people is utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and they're practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
More impressive than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some instances of dubious choices (as in any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. They also don't hesitate to strike an undead in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like a deer in headlights as death approaches.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a pleasantly 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 often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree over the phone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters express gratitude for each other seem far more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. But they're successful frights, and since the film allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and entertaining
