Typically, I'm over apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for months. But, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Development
Among the film's strongest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It begins with a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family party is violently disrupted by a van plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like stranger emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is then succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe the family before the disaster struck.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on her. This household head consists of her dad, the owner of a popular natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, but in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film depicting viewers the identity of every relative represents, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing traits allowed me to connect to the personalities enough to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style which frequently introduces characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and various family interactions in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama with slightly dark comedy before taking a sudden turn into "holy shit" territory. These early moments don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to immerse in its world prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Source
The film additionally presents a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease stems from a new batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a lethal potion which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of background, the effect this affliction produces on humans proves utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and are practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of dubious decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people start turning to the undead, which was a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for everything! trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters express appreciation toward one another feel much more genuine.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are effective scares, and because the film allows every personality sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result is an engaging and enjoyable
