Typically, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels largely depleted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Growth
One of the film's greatest assets lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene where a calm family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a vehicle crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe this household prior to the tragedy struck.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with its main personalities prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. This has understandably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family head consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime depicting us who each family member represents, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently presents characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine surprise once events finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama featuring slightly dark comedy before taking a sudden turn into shocking territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient time to settle into its world prior to it gets upended.
Unique Zombification Origin
This movie also offers a quite intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause for this infectious condition originates in a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the film had spent a little more time on how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the impact this condition has on humans proves absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very realistic, and are practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
More impressive compared to the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of questionable choices (as in typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available instead of standing still like prey in headlights while danger approaches.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree over the phone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters express appreciation for each other seem far more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound message about family or society, either. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. But they're successful frights, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable
