Typically, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre feels mostly exhausted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. But, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Development
One of the film's strongest assets is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene where a peaceful family party is violently interrupted by a van crashes into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This intense scene is then succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see this household prior to the disaster struck.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know its main personalities prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and who loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so invested in the household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked this was a scary movie—which might seem like a drawback, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of its runtime to showing us who each relative is, and how they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits allowed me to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—a rare feat for this style which frequently presents characters just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a real shock once events finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor before making an abrupt shift toward shocking ground. These early moments don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to immerse in the setting prior to everything gets upended.
Unique Infection Origin
This movie also offers a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the movie devoted a little more time on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of context, the impact this affliction produces on people proves utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
Even better compared to the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of questionable choices (like any any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object they find rather than freezing like prey in headlights as death nears.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a pleasantly authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. But when Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This makes the moments when these characters express gratitude for each other feel much more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message about family or society, either. Instead, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are successful scares, and because the movie allows every personality sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and entertaining
