Typically, I'm over apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems mostly exhausted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Character Development
Among this movie's greatest strengths is its excellent pacing. It begins using a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted by a vehicle plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to observe the family prior to the tragedy occurred.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know its main personalities before the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a married mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and who loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family head is her dad, the owner of a popular natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves incredibly tense.
Invested in the Drama
I became so invested with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could sound like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film to showing us the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently presents individuals just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a real surprise once events finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to making a sudden shift toward "holy shit" ground. These early moments don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to settle into the setting before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Source
This movie also offers a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the film had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this condition has on people proves utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear very convincing, and they're almost certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
Even better than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of questionable choices (as in typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like prey caught in lights 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 authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been building for years. Nes is not perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This makes the moments when these characters express gratitude toward one another seem much more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message about family or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're effective frights, and because the film allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable
