Typically, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels largely depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. But, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Development
Among the film's strongest strengths is its excellent pacing. It kicks off using a striking initial scene in which a calm family party is violently interrupted when a vehicle crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family before the disaster occurred.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with its main personalities before the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on her. The family head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves incredibly tense.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so invested with this household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked this was a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of its runtime to showing us the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled the audience to connect with the characters enough to care about their fate—a rare accomplishment for this style which frequently presents individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine surprise when things eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor before making an abrupt shift toward "holy shit" ground. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient time to immerse in its world prior to it gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Origin
The film also offers a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While we do learn something regarding its origins, I wish the film devoted a little more time on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Despite the lack of background, the impact this condition produces on humans is absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and are practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
Even better than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see some examples of questionable decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. They also don't hesitate to strike an undead in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights as death nears.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been building for years. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters do show appreciation for each other feel much more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message about family or community, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're effective frights, and since the film allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome is an engaging and entertaining
