Generally speaking, I've grown tired of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems largely exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Growth
One of the film's strongest strengths lies in the superb rhythm. It kicks off with a striking initial scene in which a calm family gathering is violently disrupted when a van crashes into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This intense scene is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household prior to the disaster occurred.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough opportunity to get to know its main personalities before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household head is her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot this was a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of its runtime to showing us the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed me to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat for this style that often presents characters only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine shock when things eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and various household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama with somewhat morbid humor before making an abrupt shift into shocking ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to settle into its world prior to it gets upended.
Unique Infection Source
The film additionally presents a quite interesting explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the cause for this infectious condition stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the film devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to creating a deadly potion which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the effect this affliction has on humans is absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and are almost guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
More impressive compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some examples of dubious choices (as in any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people start turning into zombies, which was a pleasantly authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for everything! trope often seen in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—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 those instances where these individuals express appreciation toward one another seem far more genuine.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are successful scares, and because the film allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable
