For the most part, I'm over apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems mostly depleted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Development
One of this movie's strongest assets is its excellent pacing. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to see this household prior to the disaster occurred.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary personalities before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and who loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. The family head consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about only two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot this was a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film depicting viewers the identity of every relative is, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed the audience to connect to the personalities sufficiently to care about their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style that often introduces characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to consume, thus it's a genuine surprise when things eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and various family interactions actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid humor before taking an abrupt turn into "holy shit" ground. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient time to settle into its world prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Origin
The film additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the cause for this contagious disease originates in a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. Although we do learn something regarding its origins, I wish the movie had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this affliction has on people proves absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and they're practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
More impressive compared to the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of dubious choices (like any typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning into zombies, 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 all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This causes those instances where these individuals express gratitude for each other feel far more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message about family or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're successful frights, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result is an engaging and entertaining
