Typically, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. But, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Personal Development
Among the film's greatest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted by a vehicle plows right into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately followed by a look back, allowing us to observe this household prior to the disaster struck.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough time to become acquainted with its main personalities before the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has understandably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household head consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and he appears to care about just two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so invested with this household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film to showing viewers the identity of every family member is, and how they add to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities enabled the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre that often presents individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to devour, thus it's a real shock once events eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to making an abrupt turn into "holy shit" territory. These introductory moments don't focus as much on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to settle into the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Origin
This movie also offers a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the movie devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this affliction produces on people is utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and are practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of questionable decision-making (like any typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object is available instead of standing still like a deer in headlights as death approaches.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters express appreciation toward one another seem much more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight about family or society, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're effective scares, and because the movie gives each character enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result is an engaging and entertaining
