Typically, I'm over undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre feels largely exhausted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains 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 remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Character Development
One of the film's greatest assets is its superb rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene where a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to observe the family prior to the tragedy occurred.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough time to get to know the primary characters before the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. This has understandably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a popular natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two aspects: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so invested in the family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of its runtime depicting us who each relative is, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled me to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often introduces individuals just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a real surprise once events eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and various household exchanges actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid humor before taking an abrupt turn toward shocking ground. These introductory scenes don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to settle into its world before it gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
This movie additionally presents a quite intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of context, the effect this affliction produces on humans is utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and are practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
Even better compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of dubious choices (like any typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of standing still like prey in headlights as death nears.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict when people start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome realistic deviation from the "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 cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they agree over the phone to regroup at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another seem far more genuine.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're effective frights, and because the film allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable
