Typically, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre seems mostly depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. But, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Character Growth
One of this movie's strongest strengths lies in the superb rhythm. It kicks off with a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted by a van plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like stranger emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the tragedy struck.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough time to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a married mother with a former best friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and who loves playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family head consists of her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two things: his business and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I almost forgot this was a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film to showing us who each family member is, and how they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed me to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre that often presents characters only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama with slightly dark humor prior to taking a sudden turn into "holy shit" territory. These early moments aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to immerse in the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
This movie also offers a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease stems from a recent batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the film had spent a little more time on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a deadly elixir which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this condition has on people proves absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear quite realistic, and are almost guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of dubious decision-making (like any any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available rather than freezing like prey caught in lights while danger nears.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building for years. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation for each other feel far more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are effective scares, and since the movie allows every personality sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and entertaining
