Generally speaking, I'm over undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Growth
Among the film's greatest assets is its superb rhythm. It begins using a memorable initial scene in which a calm family party gets suddenly disrupted when a van crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is then succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see the family before the disaster occurred.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main personalities prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable situation. This has predictably led to a rift between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household head consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two aspects: his business and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues and their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of its runtime depicting viewers the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed me to relate to the personalities enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently introduces characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to devour, thus it's a real surprise when things finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy before taking an abrupt shift into "holy shit" territory. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient time to immerse in its world prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Source
This movie additionally presents a quite interesting reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the film devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion that appears to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the limited context, the impact this affliction produces on humans is absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very realistic, and they're almost guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
More impressive compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of questionable choices (like any any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with whatever heavy object they find instead of freezing like a deer in headlights as death approaches.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a welcome realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for everything! trope often seen in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This causes the moments when these characters do show gratitude toward one another seem much more genuine.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message regarding relatives or society, either. Instead, it's mostly delivering scares. But they're successful frights, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable
