For the most part, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre seems mostly exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Character Development
Among this movie's greatest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It begins with a striking initial scene where a calm family party is violently interrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is then succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe the family before the disaster struck.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has predictably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet socially awkward, and he enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on Nes. This household patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two aspects: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot this was a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film to showing viewers who each family member represents, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits allowed me to connect to the personalities sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often presents individuals just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, 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 opening sequences of the party and various household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy prior to making a sudden turn into shocking ground. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to immerse in its world prior to everything gets upended.
Unique Zombification Origin
This movie also offers a quite interesting reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the movie had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a lethal elixir that appears to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the lack of background, the impact this affliction has on humans is utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and are almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
Even better than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of questionable decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. They also don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming to the undead, this proved a pleasantly realistic 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 apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a nearby location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This causes the moments when these characters do show gratitude for each other feel much more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're effective frights, and since the movie allows every personality sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result is an engaging and enjoyable
