For the most part, I've grown tired of undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems mostly exhausted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Development
Among this movie's strongest assets is its superb rhythm. It kicks off using a striking initial scene in which a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted by a van plows right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family before the tragedy struck.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough opportunity to get to know the primary characters prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. This has understandably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on her. The family head consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two aspects: his business and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I became so invested with this household's issues and their personal conflicts that I nearly forgot this was a horror film—which might sound like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film depicting viewers who each family member is, and how they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled me to relate to the personalities enough to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently presents individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine surprise when things eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama with slightly dark humor prior to taking a sudden shift toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to immerse in the setting before everything gets upended.
Unique Infection Source
This movie also offers a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a recent batch of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the lack of context, the effect this affliction produces on people is utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear very convincing, and are practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some examples of questionable decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family are inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available rather than standing still like a deer in headlights as death approaches.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close spot. But when Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments where these individuals express gratitude for each other seem far more sincere.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message about family or society, as well. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. But they're successful scares, and since the film allows every personality sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and enjoyable
