Typically, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels mostly exhausted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Development
One of this movie's strongest strengths is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a vehicle plows right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is then followed by a look back, allowing us to see this household before the disaster occurred.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly allows the audience enough opportunity to get to know the primary characters before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. This household head consists of her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, but in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film to showing viewers who each family member represents, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on conflicting traits allowed the audience to connect to the personalities enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment for this style which frequently presents characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise when things finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to making a sudden shift toward "holy shit" territory. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Origin
This movie also offers a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the movie had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the effect this affliction produces on humans proves utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and they're practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see a few instances of questionable choices (like any typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available instead of standing still like prey caught in lights as death approaches.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a welcome authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude for each other seem far more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. Yet these are effective scares, and because the film allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable
