Generally speaking, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations and proved quite entertaining.
Excellent Pacing and Character Development
One of the film's strongest strengths lies in the superb rhythm. It begins using a memorable initial scene in which a calm family party is violently disrupted by a vehicle plows into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see this household prior to the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough time to get to know the primary characters prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a married mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. The family head is her dad, who runs a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two things: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves extremely tense.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so invested in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of its runtime depicting us the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed the audience to connect to the personalities enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre that often introduces characters just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine shock when things eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and various household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid humor prior to making an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" territory. These early scenes aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world prior to it gets upended.
Unique Infection Origin
This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this infectious condition originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. Although we do learn something regarding its origins, I wish the film had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this condition produces on people proves utterly disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and are almost certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
Even better than the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of questionable decision-making (as in any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object is available rather than standing still like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord when people start turning to the undead, which was a welcome realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still holding onto resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals express gratitude for each other seem far more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep message regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're successful scares, and since the film allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is an engaging and entertaining
