Typically, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved quite entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Development
Among this movie's greatest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It begins using a striking initial scene in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to see the family prior to the tragedy struck.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough time to get to know its main characters before the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a married mother whose former best friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably caused a rift between the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on her. The family patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just two things: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so invested with this household's issues along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film to showing viewers the identity of every relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing traits enabled me to connect to the personalities enough to care about their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre which frequently presents individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, thus it's a genuine shock when things finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and various family interactions actually evoke the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before making an abrupt shift into shocking ground. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to settle into the setting before it gets upended.
Unique Zombification Source
This movie additionally presents a quite interesting explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. While we do learn a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the film devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited background, the effect this condition produces on people proves absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and they're almost certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
Even better compared to the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of questionable decision-making (as in typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like prey in headlights as death approaches.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for everything! trope frequently used in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been building for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters express gratitude toward one another seem much more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are effective frights, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable
