Typically, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems largely depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations and proved quite entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Development
Among this movie's greatest assets lies in the superb pacing. It begins using a striking initial scene where a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted by a vehicle plows into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household before the disaster occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient time to get to know the primary characters before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and he loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. This household head consists of her dad, who runs a popular natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about only two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely tense.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts that I almost forgot this was a horror film—which might sound like a drawback, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film depicting us the identity of every relative represents, and how they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities allowed me to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often introduces characters just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine surprise when things finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to making an abrupt shift into shocking ground. These early moments don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to settle into its world before it gets upended.
Original Infection Origin
This movie additionally presents a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a new batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie had spent a little more time explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly potion that appears to include an extremely infectious virus. Despite the lack of background, the effect this condition produces on humans is absolutely disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and are practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of dubious decision-making (like any any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find rather than standing still like prey caught in lights while danger nears.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters do show appreciation for each other seem far more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound insight about family or community, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're effective scares, and because the film gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable
