Generally speaking, I'm over apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations and proved remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Growth
One of the film's greatest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off with a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family party is violently interrupted by a vehicle crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household before the disaster struck.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main personalities before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch is her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about only two things: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime depicting viewers who each family member represents, and how they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled me to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently presents characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine shock when things eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and various family interactions actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid humor prior to making an abrupt shift into "holy shit" territory. These introductory moments don't focus as much on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to settle into the setting before everything gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Origin
The film additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the film had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a lethal elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of background, the impact this condition produces on people proves absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and are almost certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
Even better than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see a few examples of dubious choices (like any any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever heavy object they find rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming to the undead, which was a pleasantly authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still holding onto resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals express appreciation toward one another seem far more genuine.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're successful scares, and since the film allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is an engaging and enjoyable
