Generally speaking, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems largely exhausted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Growth
Among this movie's greatest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene where a calm family party is violently disrupted when a van plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household before the disaster struck.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with its main personalities prior to the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a married mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has predictably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. This household patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he seems to care about only two things: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts that I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, but in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film depicting viewers who each family member is, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled me to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently presents individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a real shock once events eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy prior to taking a sudden turn toward shocking ground. These early scenes don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient time to settle into its world before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Origin
The film also offers a quite interesting explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause 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, I wish the movie devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited background, the impact this condition produces on humans proves utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and they're almost certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
More impressive compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of questionable choices (as in typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available instead of freezing like prey in headlights while danger nears.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters do show appreciation for each other seem far more sincere.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep insight regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, 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 proves a captivating and enjoyable
