Typically, I'm over apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems mostly depleted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Development
Among this movie's strongest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence where a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to see the family prior to the tragedy struck.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main characters before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a former best friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a falling out between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and who loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to her. The family head is Nes' father, the owner of a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he seems to care about just two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film to showing viewers who each relative represents, and how they add to the general turmoil. This focus on conflicting traits allowed me to connect to the personalities enough to care about their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently introduces individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, thus it's a real shock when things finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and various 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 shocking territory. These introductory moments don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to settle into the setting before everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Origin
This movie also offers a quite intriguing reason for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the film devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this affliction produces on humans is absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
More impressive than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some instances of questionable choices (as in any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument they find rather than freezing like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, which was a welcome realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. But when Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters do show appreciation for each other seem much more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message about family or society, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. Yet these are successful scares, and because the movie allows every personality sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result is a captivating and enjoyable
