Generally speaking, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre feels largely exhausted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. But, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations and proved quite entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Character Development
Among the film's strongest strengths is its excellent pacing. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence where a calm family gathering is violently disrupted when a vehicle crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like individual emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household before the tragedy struck.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has predictably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he enjoys playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about just two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so invested with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot this was a horror film—which might seem like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film depicting us the identity of every relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to connect to the personalities enough to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style which frequently presents characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a real surprise once events finally deteriorate.
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 K-Drama with slightly dark comedy prior to taking an abrupt shift toward "holy shit" ground. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient time to settle into its world prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Source
The film also offers a quite intriguing reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a lethal potion which seems to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited context, the effect this affliction has on people is utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and are practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of questionable choices (as in typical undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like prey caught in lights as death approaches.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close location. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to push the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals express gratitude for each other seem much more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound message about family or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. Yet these are effective frights, and because the movie allows every personality sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and entertaining
