Typically, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels mostly exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. But, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Development
Among the film's greatest assets lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene where a calm family party gets suddenly disrupted by a vehicle crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household before the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary personalities before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose former close friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. The family patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about only two aspects: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so engrossed with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot this was a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film to showing us the identity of every family member represents, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed me to connect to the personalities sufficiently to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often introduces individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a real surprise when things finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy before making a sudden turn toward shocking ground. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting prior to everything gets upended.
Original Infection Origin
The film also offers a quite intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted additional time on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this condition produces on people proves absolutely disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and are practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
Even better than the disgusting moments 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 relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object they find rather than standing still like prey in headlights as death nears.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters express gratitude for each other seem much more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are effective frights, and because the movie gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is an engaging and enjoyable
