Typically, I'm over apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre feels largely exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. But, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Character Development
Among the film's strongest strengths is its superb pacing. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle crashes into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately followed by a look back, allowing us to observe the family before the tragedy struck.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with its main personalities before the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a married mother whose former close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. This has predictably caused a rift between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two things: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves extremely strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot I was watching 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 us the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed the audience to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat for this style that often introduces individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine shock when things eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and various family interactions in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before taking a sudden turn into "holy shit" territory. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to immerse in its world before it gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Origin
The film additionally presents a quite intriguing reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this affliction has on people proves utterly disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and are almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
More impressive than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of dubious decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available instead of standing still like a deer in headlights while danger nears.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly realistic 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 end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close location. But when Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters do show appreciation for each other feel much more sincere.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're effective frights, and because the movie gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is an engaging and enjoyable
