Generally speaking, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems largely depleted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Development
One of this movie's greatest assets is its excellent rhythm. It begins using a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see the family before the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys playing video games alongside Nes' young son, 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 business called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about only two things: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely tense.
Invested in the Drama
I became so engrossed with this household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of its runtime depicting viewers the identity of every family member is, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—a rare feat for this style that often introduces individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a real surprise when things eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before making a sudden turn toward "holy shit" ground. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient time to settle into its world before it gets upended.
Original Zombification Source
This movie also offers a quite interesting reason for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the film devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a lethal elixir that appears to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this affliction has on people is absolutely disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and are practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see a few instances of dubious decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with whatever heavy object they find rather than standing still like prey in headlights as death nears.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for everything! trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This causes those instances where these individuals express gratitude toward one another feel much more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message regarding relatives or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're effective scares, and since the film allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is an engaging and entertaining
