For the most part, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre seems largely exhausted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations and proved quite entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Development
Among the film's greatest assets is its superb rhythm. It begins using a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted by a van crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual emerges proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household prior to the tragedy occurred.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough opportunity to get to know its main characters prior to the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a married mother whose former best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably led to a rift among the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and who loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. This household patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a popular natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two things: his business and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked this was a scary movie—which might seem like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film depicting viewers who each family member is, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits enabled me to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat for this style which frequently presents individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine surprise once events eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before making an abrupt turn toward shocking ground. These early scenes aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient time to settle into the setting before it gets upended.
Unique Infection Origin
The film also offers a fairly intriguing reason for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a new sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. While we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the movie had spent a little more time on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this affliction produces on people proves absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very realistic, and they're almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
Even better than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some examples of questionable choices (as in any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with whatever blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like prey caught in lights while danger nears.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord when people start turning into zombies, which was a welcome authentic deviation from the "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 end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals express gratitude for each other feel much more genuine.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight regarding relatives or society, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are successful scares, and because the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and entertaining
