Typically, I'm over apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems mostly depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Growth
One of this movie's strongest assets lies in the superb pacing. It begins using a memorable opening sequence where a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle plows right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see this household before the tragedy struck.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient time to get to know its main characters prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. This household head consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—which might seem like a drawback, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film depicting us who each relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently introduces characters just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a real surprise once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor before taking an abrupt turn into "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments don't focus as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient time to settle into the setting before it gets upended.
Unique Infection Origin
The film also offers a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. Although some background is provided a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a lethal elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this affliction has on people is absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very convincing, and they're practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better compared to the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of dubious decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object they find rather than standing still like prey in headlights while danger approaches.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been building for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances where these individuals express gratitude toward one another feel much more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep message regarding relatives or community, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. But they're effective scares, and because the movie allows every personality sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable
