Typically, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels mostly exhausted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Development
Among the film's strongest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted by a van crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe the family prior to the disaster occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough time to get to know its main personalities prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. This household head consists of her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two things: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so invested in the family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot this was a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of its runtime to showing us the identity of every relative is, and how they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their fate—a rare feat in a genre which frequently introduces individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, thus it's a genuine surprise when things eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark humor before making a sudden shift toward shocking territory. These early moments don't focus as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough time to immerse in its world prior to it gets upended.
Original Infection Source
This movie additionally presents a quite intriguing reason for the source of the contagious transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this contagious disease originates in a recent batch of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although we do learn something regarding its origins, I wish the movie had spent a little more time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly potion that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited context, the impact this affliction produces on people proves utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite convincing, and are practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of questionable choices (like any any good zombie movie), however 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 face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest heavy object is available instead of standing still like prey caught in lights while danger nears.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord when people begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for everything! cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. But when Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters do show appreciation toward one another seem much more genuine.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message about family or community, either. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're successful scares, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and entertaining
