For the most part, I'm over apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems largely depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations turning out remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Growth
Among the film's strongest strengths is its superb pacing. It begins with a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family party is violently disrupted by a van crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family before the tragedy struck.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough time to become acquainted with its main personalities before the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable situation. This has understandably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family head is Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about only two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—which might seem like a drawback, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film to showing us who each family member is, and how they add to the overall dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits enabled me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often introduces individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine shock when things finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama featuring slightly dark comedy before taking an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" ground. These early scenes don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
This movie also offers a quite intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease stems from a new batch of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited context, the effect this condition has on humans is utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and are almost certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive than the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see some examples of dubious choices (as in any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building for years. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances when these characters express appreciation toward one another seem much more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep message regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're effective scares, and since the film allows every personality sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable
