For the most part, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre seems mostly depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. But, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Character Growth
Among this movie's strongest strengths is its superb pacing. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted when a van plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is immediately followed by a look back, allowing us to observe this household prior to the tragedy occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know its main characters prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he loves playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and he appears to care about just two aspects: his business and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so invested with this household's issues and their personal conflicts that I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film to showing viewers who each family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed me to connect to the personalities enough to care about their fate—a rare accomplishment for this style which frequently introduces characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, thus it's a real shock once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid humor before making an abrupt shift toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to settle into its world prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
The film also offers a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. Although some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the movie had spent a little more time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir that appears to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the effect this affliction has on people proves utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and they're practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive compared to the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of dubious decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike an undead in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like a deer in headlights while danger nears.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people start turning to the undead, which was a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals express appreciation for each other seem far more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight about family or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are successful frights, and because the film allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable
