Typically, I'm over apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated and proved remarkably entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Development
One of the film's greatest strengths is its superb rhythm. It begins using a striking opening sequence where a calm family gathering is violently interrupted by a vehicle plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household before the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with its main characters before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on Nes. This household head is Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about only two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves incredibly tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so invested in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film to showing viewers who each relative is, and how they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits allowed me to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre that often presents individuals just 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 devour, so it's a real shock when things eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking a sudden turn toward "holy shit" ground. These early moments don't focus as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world prior to everything gets upended.
Original Zombification Source
The film also offers a fairly interesting reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the film had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion that appears to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of context, the effect this affliction produces on people is utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and they're practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive compared to the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of dubious choices (as in any good zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever heavy object they find rather than freezing like a deer in headlights while danger nears.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict when people begin transforming to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a nearby location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been building for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel realistic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters do show appreciation for each other feel much more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message about family or community, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are effective scares, and since the film gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable
