Typically, I'm over apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels largely depleted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. But, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Character Development
One of the film's strongest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It begins with a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted by a van crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household prior to the tragedy struck.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience enough time to get to know the primary characters before the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. This has predictably caused a falling out among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on her. The family head is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just two aspects: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so invested in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film to showing viewers who each relative is, and how they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits allowed the audience to connect to the personalities sufficiently to care about their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently presents individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise when things eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to taking an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough time to settle into the setting before everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Source
The film also offers a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the movie had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this affliction has on humans is utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and are almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
More impressive compared to the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of questionable choices (as in any good zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object they find instead of freezing like prey caught in lights while danger nears.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord when people start turning into zombies, which was a welcome realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for everything! cliché often seen in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters do show gratitude toward one another feel far more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound insight about family or community, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're successful scares, and because the film allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves a captivating and entertaining
