Typically, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems largely exhausted nowadays. 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, managed to defy my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Development
One of the film's strongest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family gathering is violently interrupted by a van crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the tragedy struck.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know its main personalities before the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift between the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on her. This household head is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so invested with this family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked this was a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of its runtime to showing viewers who each relative is, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This focus on clashing personalities allowed me to relate to the personalities enough to care about their outcome—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often presents individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine shock when things finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor before taking an abrupt turn into shocking ground. These early moments don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient time to settle into its world before it gets upended.
Unique Zombification Source
This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing reason for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly elixir that appears to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this condition produces on humans proves absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and are almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
Even better than the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of questionable choices (like any typical undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument they find rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for everything! cliché often seen in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes the moments where these individuals express gratitude toward one another feel far more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message regarding relatives or community, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up scares. But they're effective scares, and since the film allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable
