Typically, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels mostly depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. But, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Growth
Among the film's strongest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It begins with a striking opening sequence in which a calm family gathering is violently interrupted when a van plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like stranger stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to see this household before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly allows viewers enough time to become acquainted with its main personalities prior to the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has predictably led to a falling out among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and who loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family head consists of her dad, who runs a well-known natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves extremely tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film depicting us who each relative represents, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently introduces characters just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine surprise when things finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and various household exchanges actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to making an abrupt turn into shocking territory. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient time to immerse in its world before everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Source
The film additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While some background is provided something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more time explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a lethal potion which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this affliction has on humans is absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and are practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
More impressive than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of dubious decision-making (like any typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available instead of freezing like prey in headlights as death nears.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord when people start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another seem much more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or society, either. Instead, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are effective frights, and since the movie gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable
