Generally speaking, I'm over apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels largely depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Character Growth
Among the film's greatest assets lies in the superb pacing. It begins with a striking initial scene in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a van crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like stranger emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This intense scene is immediately followed by a look back, allowing us to observe this household before the tragedy struck.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient time to get to know its main personalities prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a married mother whose former best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. The family patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a popular natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just two things: his business and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts that I almost forgot this was a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film depicting viewers the identity of every family member is, and how they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled me to connect with the characters enough to care about their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often presents characters just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a real surprise when things eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy before making an abrupt shift into "holy shit" territory. These introductory moments don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to settle into the setting prior to everything gets upended.
Original Zombification Source
The film also offers a quite intriguing reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. While we do learn something regarding its origins, I wish the film had spent additional time on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a lethal potion that appears to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this affliction has on humans proves utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very realistic, and are practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive than the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Of course, we see some examples of questionable decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with whatever heavy object they find instead of freezing like prey in headlights while danger nears.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a pleasantly authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for everything! cliché frequently used in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been building for years. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances when these characters do show appreciation for each other seem much more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound insight about family or society, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are successful scares, and since the movie gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable
