For the most part, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels mostly depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for months. But, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Growth
One of the film's strongest assets lies in the superb rhythm. It begins with a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family party is violently interrupted by a vehicle crashes into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately followed by a look back, allowing us to observe the family prior to the tragedy struck.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary personalities before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet socially awkward, and he loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch is her dad, who runs a popular natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and he seems to care about just two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves extremely strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so invested with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot this was a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film depicting viewers the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled the audience to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style which frequently presents characters only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a real surprise when things eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and various household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before taking a sudden shift into shocking ground. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to settle into its world prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Source
This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause for this infectious condition originates in a recent batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the film had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion that appears to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the limited context, the impact this condition produces on people proves utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
More impressive compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of questionable decision-making (as in any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find rather than freezing like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for everything! cliché often seen in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters do show appreciation for each other feel much more genuine.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight about family or community, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up scares. Yet these are successful frights, and because the movie allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is an engaging and entertaining
