Typically, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre seems largely exhausted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for months. But, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Character Growth
One of this movie's greatest assets is its excellent rhythm. It begins with a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family party is violently interrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to see this household before the tragedy struck.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows the audience enough opportunity to get to know the primary characters before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. This has understandably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on her. The family head consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film to showing us the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing traits enabled the audience to relate with the characters enough to care about their fate—a rare accomplishment for this style which frequently introduces individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a real shock when things finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and various household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a K-Drama with slightly dark humor prior to making a sudden shift into "holy shit" territory. These early scenes don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient time to settle into its world prior to everything gets upended.
Unique Zombification Source
This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting reason for the source of the contagious transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the film devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of background, the effect this affliction has on humans proves absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and they're practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
More impressive than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some examples of questionable decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like prey in headlights as death approaches.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they decide over the phone to regroup at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters do show gratitude for each other seem much more genuine.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or society, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. But they're successful scares, and because the movie allows every personality sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and entertaining
