Typically, I'm over zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre feels mostly depleted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for months. But, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved quite entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Personal Growth
Among this movie's strongest strengths is its superb rhythm. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted by a vehicle crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense moment is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household before the disaster occurred.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with its main personalities prior to the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he seems to care about just two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves extremely tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so invested in the family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film depicting viewers the identity of every family member is, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities enabled the audience to relate to the personalities enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently presents individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a real shock when things eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama with slightly dark humor prior to making a sudden turn toward shocking ground. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient opportunity to immerse in the setting before everything gets upended.
Unique Infection Origin
The film also offers a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the film had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this affliction has on people is absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and they're practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of dubious choices (like any any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than freezing like prey in headlights while danger nears.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they agree over the phone to meet up at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters do show appreciation for each other feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message regarding relatives or society, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. But they're effective frights, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and entertaining
