Generally speaking, I'm over apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels largely depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for some time. But, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved remarkably entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Personal Growth
Among the film's greatest strengths is its superb pacing. It kicks off with a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted by a vehicle crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to see the family before the disaster struck.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly allows the audience enough time to get to know its main characters prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has predictably caused a falling out among the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and who loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so invested with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of its runtime depicting us the identity of every relative represents, and how they add to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing traits enabled me to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—a rare feat in a genre which frequently introduces individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine shock when things finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to taking an abrupt turn into shocking territory. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to settle into its world before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Origin
This movie also offers a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly potion which seems to contain a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this condition has on people proves absolutely disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear very convincing, and are almost certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
Even better than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of questionable decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her family are inventive and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with whatever blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like prey in headlights while danger nears.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a welcome realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another feel far more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound insight about family or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're effective scares, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and entertaining
