For the most part, I'm over undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre feels largely depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Character Growth
Among the film's strongest strengths is its excellent pacing. It begins using a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family party is violently disrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like individual emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is then followed by a look back, allowing us to see the family prior to the disaster occurred.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough opportunity to get to know its main characters prior to the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably led to a rift among the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on Nes. The family head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so engrossed in the household's issues and their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film to showing viewers the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled the audience to connect to the personalities sufficiently to care about their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often introduces individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine shock once events finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and various household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before taking an abrupt turn into "holy shit" territory. These early moments aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to immerse in the setting prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Source
This movie also offers a fairly interesting reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the cause for this contagious disease originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the limited background, the effect this affliction produces on humans is utterly disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite convincing, and are almost guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
More impressive than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of dubious choices (like any any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like a deer in headlights while danger nears.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still holding onto resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close location. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to promote the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters express appreciation for each other seem far more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. Yet these are effective scares, and since the film allows every personality sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and entertaining
