Generally speaking, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels mostly exhausted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Development
Among the film's strongest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off using a striking initial scene where a calm family gathering is violently disrupted when a van crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense moment is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to see this household prior to the disaster occurred.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives the audience enough time to get to know the primary characters before the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably led to a falling out between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on Nes. The family patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I became so invested in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film depicting us the identity of every relative is, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on conflicting traits enabled the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—a rare feat for this style which frequently introduces individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine surprise once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and various household exchanges actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before making a sudden shift toward "holy shit" territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient time to immerse in its world prior to it gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Source
The film also offers a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a recent batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this affliction has on people is absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and are almost guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some instances of questionable decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object they find rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people begin transforming to the undead, which was a welcome authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still holding onto resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to push the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters do show appreciation toward one another seem much more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound message about family or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. But they're effective scares, and because the movie allows every personality sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and entertaining
