For the most part, I'm over apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre feels mostly depleted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. But, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Growth
Among the film's greatest strengths lies in the superb rhythm. It kicks off with a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted when a van crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough opportunity to get to know its main characters before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two things: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked this was a scary movie—which might seem like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of its runtime depicting us the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing personalities allowed the audience to connect to the personalities sufficiently to care about their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style which frequently introduces individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine shock once events finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor before making a sudden turn into "holy shit" ground. These early moments don't focus too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to immerse in the setting prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Origin
This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the film had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this condition has on people is utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and they're almost certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
More impressive than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of questionable decision-making (as in typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find instead of standing still like prey caught in lights while danger nears.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a pleasantly realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for everything! trope often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear 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 close spot. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes the moments where these individuals express appreciation toward one another feel far more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight about family or society, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are effective frights, and because the film gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining
