For the most part, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre feels mostly exhausted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Growth
One of this movie's strongest assets is its excellent pacing. It begins with a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family party is violently disrupted when a vehicle crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then followed by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household before the tragedy struck.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a married mother with a former best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. This has understandably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family head is Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two aspects: his business and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves extremely strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked this was a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime to showing us the identity of every relative represents, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed me to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style that often presents individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a real surprise once events eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before taking a sudden turn toward shocking territory. These early scenes don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to settle into its world prior to it gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
This movie additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the movie had spent a little more time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion which seems to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited context, the impact this condition has on people proves utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and are practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive than the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see some examples of questionable decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like prey caught in lights as death approaches.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a welcome realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for everything! trope often seen in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang admits he doesn't know 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 flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters express appreciation for each other feel much more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are effective frights, and since the film allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining
