For the most part, I've had my fill of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre feels mostly depleted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Character Growth
Among the film's strongest assets is its superb pacing. It begins with a memorable initial scene where a calm family party gets suddenly disrupted by a vehicle plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This intense scene is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household before the tragedy struck.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient time to get to know the primary personalities before the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has understandably led to a rift between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he appears to care about just two aspects: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so engrossed with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a drawback, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of its runtime to showing viewers the identity of every relative represents, and how they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits enabled the audience to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces characters just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a real shock when things finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and various family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking an abrupt shift toward shocking territory. These early moments don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in the setting prior to everything gets upended.
Original Zombification Source
The film additionally presents a quite intriguing reason for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the movie devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir that appears to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of context, the effect this affliction produces on people proves absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a daring decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and are almost guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better than the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of questionable decision-making (like any any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available rather than standing still like a deer in headlights while danger nears.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for everything! cliché often seen in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they decide over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This causes the moments where these individuals express gratitude for each other seem much more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're effective frights, and because the movie gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable
