For the most part, I'm over apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre seems largely exhausted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Development
Among the film's greatest assets is its superb rhythm. It begins with a memorable initial scene in which a calm family party is violently disrupted when a vehicle plows right into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like stranger stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is immediately followed by a look back, allowing us to observe this household prior to the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience enough time to get to know its main characters before the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. This has understandably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two things: his business and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime to showing us who each relative is, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits allowed me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style which frequently presents characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise when things eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and the multiple family interactions in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy before making a sudden turn toward shocking territory. These early moments aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough time to immerse in the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Origin
The film also offers a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the film devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this condition produces on humans is utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and are almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
More impressive than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of dubious decision-making (as in typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights as death nears.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict when people start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for everything! trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been building over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This causes those instances when these characters do show gratitude for each other feel much more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're effective scares, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable
