Typically, I'm over apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre feels mostly exhausted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Personal Growth
One of this movie's strongest assets is its excellent rhythm. It begins using a memorable initial scene where a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like stranger emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see this household prior to the tragedy occurred.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly allows the audience enough opportunity to get to know its main personalities prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and who loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household head consists of her dad, who runs a well-known natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he appears to care about only two things: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely tense.
Invested in the Drama
I became so engrossed in the household's issues and their personal conflicts that I nearly forgot this was a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film to showing viewers who each family member is, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities allowed me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often introduces characters just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise when things finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and the multiple family interactions in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before taking a sudden shift into "holy shit" ground. These early moments don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient time to settle into the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Source
The film additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the movie had spent a little more time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a lethal elixir which seems to contain an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the effect this affliction produces on people is absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and are almost guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of questionable decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find rather than standing still like prey in headlights while danger nears.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This causes the moments when these characters express gratitude for each other seem far more sincere.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message about family or community, either. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are effective frights, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is an engaging and enjoyable
