Typically, I'm over undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels largely depleted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. But, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations and proved remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Development
Among this movie's strongest assets is its superb pacing. It kicks off with a memorable initial scene where a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a van crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see this household before the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives the audience enough opportunity to get to know its main personalities before the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a married mother whose former close friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and he enjoys playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on Nes. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot this was a horror film—which might sound like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film depicting viewers the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to relate to the personalities enough to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often presents characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, thus it's a genuine shock when things finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor before taking a sudden turn toward "holy shit" ground. These early scenes aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient time to immerse in the setting prior to it gets upended.
Original Infection Source
The film also offers a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the film devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir which seems to contain an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this affliction produces on humans is utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and they're practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive compared to the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see some instances 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 kick an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a pleasantly authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still holding onto resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. But when Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude for each other seem much more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are effective frights, and because the film allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining
