For the most part, 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 seems largely depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for months. But, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Development
One of the film's greatest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a striking initial scene in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a van crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This intense scene is then succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household before the tragedy struck.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know its main personalities prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted 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 Nes. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and he appears to care about just two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of its runtime to showing us the identity of every relative is, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on conflicting traits enabled me to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment for this style which frequently presents individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a real shock once events finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and the multiple family interactions in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor before making an abrupt shift into shocking territory. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to immerse in the setting prior to it gets upended.
Original Infection Source
The film additionally presents a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the cause for this infectious condition stems from a new batch of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the movie had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir that appears to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this condition has on humans proves utterly disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, 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.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some instances of dubious decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest heavy object is available instead of standing still like a deer in headlights while danger nears.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for everything! trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they decide over the phone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another feel much more sincere.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound insight about family or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are successful frights, and because the movie gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is an engaging and entertaining
