Typically, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Development
Among this movie's strongest assets is its superb pacing. It kicks off with a memorable initial scene where a calm family party gets suddenly disrupted when a van plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see the family before the tragedy struck.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably caused a falling out between the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and who loves playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on her. This household patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two things: his business and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film to showing us who each relative is, and how they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits allowed me to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often introduces characters just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a real surprise when things finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and various household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to making an abrupt shift toward "holy shit" ground. These early moments aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient time to immerse in its world prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Source
The film also offers a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While we do learn something regarding its origins, I wish the movie devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly potion which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited context, the impact this affliction produces on humans is absolutely disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and they're almost guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of questionable decision-making (as in any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available rather than freezing like prey caught in lights as death approaches.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people start turning to the undead, which was a pleasantly authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for everything! cliché frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been building for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters do show appreciation for each other feel far more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. But they're effective frights, and because the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining
