Typically, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems largely exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. But, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Character Growth
Among this movie's greatest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It begins using a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted by a vehicle crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like individual emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household before the disaster struck.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly allows the audience sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has understandably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on her. This household patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of its runtime depicting viewers who each family member is, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing traits enabled me to connect to the personalities sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently presents individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to devour, thus it's a real surprise once events finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and various family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark comedy prior to taking a sudden shift toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments don't focus as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to settle into its world before it gets upended.
Original Infection Source
The film also offers a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the film devoted additional time on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this condition produces on humans is absolutely disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
Even better compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some instances of dubious choices (like any typical undead film), but generally, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like prey caught in lights as death approaches.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict when people start turning into zombies, which was a welcome authentic 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 films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters do show appreciation for each other feel far more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound message regarding relatives or society, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're successful scares, and because the film allows every personality sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome is an engaging and entertaining
