Generally speaking, I'm over undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre feels largely depleted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved remarkably entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Personal Growth
Among this movie's greatest assets is its superb pacing. It begins using a striking initial scene in which a calm family party is violently disrupted by a van crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic moment is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household before the disaster struck.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. Naturally, this has predictably led to a rift between the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and who loves gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household head is her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two things: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so engrossed in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of its runtime to showing us who each family member is, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed me to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often introduces individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to devour, thus it's a real surprise once events eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and various family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before making an abrupt turn toward shocking territory. These early moments don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to settle into its world prior to everything gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
The film also offers a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the cause for this infectious condition originates in a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the film devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the impact this condition has on people proves absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and are practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
More impressive than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of questionable choices (as in any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are inventive and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available instead of freezing like a deer in headlights as death nears.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord when people start turning to the undead, which was a welcome authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for everything! trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This makes the moments when these characters do show gratitude for each other feel far more genuine.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are successful scares, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining
