For the most part, I'm over apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels largely exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. But, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Growth
One of the film's strongest strengths lies in the superb rhythm. It begins using a striking opening sequence in which a calm family party gets suddenly disrupted by a vehicle crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family before the tragedy struck.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient opportunity to get to know its main characters prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. This has understandably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and who loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so invested in the household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film to showing viewers who each family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to connect with the characters enough to care about their fate—a rare feat in a genre that often introduces individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine surprise once events finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and various household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama with slightly dark comedy prior to making a sudden shift toward "holy shit" territory. These early scenes don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to settle into its world prior to everything gets upended.
Unique Infection Origin
This movie additionally presents a quite interesting reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the cause for this infectious condition stems from a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this affliction produces on humans is absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and are practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
Even better than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of questionable choices (as in any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. They also don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever heavy object they find rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord when people start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close location. But when 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 flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals express appreciation for each other feel much more sincere.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight about family or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are effective scares, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result is a captivating and enjoyable
