Typically, I'm over undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre feels mostly exhausted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Development
One of this movie's strongest strengths lies in the superb rhythm. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle plows into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to observe the family prior to the tragedy occurred.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary characters before the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift among the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. This household head consists of her dad, the owner of a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he seems to care about just two things: his business and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves extremely strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot this was a scary movie—which might seem like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film depicting viewers the identity of every family member is, and how they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits allowed the audience to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat in a genre that often presents individuals 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, so it's a real shock once events eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before taking a sudden turn toward shocking territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting before everything gets upended.
Unique Zombification Origin
The film additionally presents a quite intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a new batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the film had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the impact this condition produces on humans proves absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very convincing, and they're practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
Even better compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some examples of questionable choices (as in typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever heavy object they find rather than freezing like prey in headlights as death approaches.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord when people begin transforming to the undead, this proved a welcome realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes is not perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another seem much more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight about family or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. But they're effective scares, and since the movie gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is an engaging and entertaining
