Generally speaking, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems mostly exhausted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Growth
Among the film's strongest strengths is its superb rhythm. It kicks off with a memorable initial scene where a calm family gathering gets suddenly disrupted by a vehicle crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe the family before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough opportunity to get to know its main personalities prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a falling out between the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family head is Nes' father, the owner of a popular natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and he seems to care about only two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so invested in the family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film depicting viewers who each relative is, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre which frequently presents individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine shock when things eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to making a sudden shift into "holy shit" territory. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to immerse in the setting prior to everything gets upended.
Original Zombification Source
The film also offers a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. Although some background is provided a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to producing a lethal elixir which seems to contain an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this condition has on humans is absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite convincing, and are almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
Even better compared to the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of dubious decision-making (as in typical undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like a deer in headlights as death nears.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a pleasantly authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters do show appreciation toward one another feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound message about family or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are effective frights, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining
