Typically, I'm over apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels largely depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Personal Growth
One of the film's greatest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence where a peaceful family party is violently disrupted when a vehicle crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household before the disaster struck.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main personalities before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a married mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch is her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so invested with this household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film depicting viewers the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing traits allowed me to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style which frequently introduces characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to consume, thus it's a real shock when things eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid humor before making an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" ground. These early moments aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides enough time to immerse in its world prior to everything gets upended.
Unique Infection Source
The film also offers a fairly intriguing reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the movie had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the limited background, the effect this condition has on humans proves utterly disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite convincing, and they're practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
More impressive than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see some instances of dubious decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available rather than freezing like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict when people start turning to the undead, which was a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. But when Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters do show appreciation for each other feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. Yet these are successful scares, and because the film gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and entertaining
