Typically, I'm over apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels largely exhausted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for months. But, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Development
Among the film's strongest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It begins with a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family party is violently interrupted by a van crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family before the disaster struck.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on her. The family head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so invested in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime depicting us the identity of every family member is, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities allowed me to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently introduces characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a real surprise once events finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama with slightly dark humor prior to taking an abrupt turn into shocking territory. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Origin
The film additionally presents a quite intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease stems from a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more time explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly potion that appears to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this affliction produces 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 daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and are practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
Even better compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of questionable choices (as in typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict when people start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from the "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 apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another feel much more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep message regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. Yet these are successful scares, and because the film allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable
