Typically, I'm over apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels largely depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Character Growth
Among this movie's greatest strengths is its superb rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family party is violently disrupted by a van plows into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is immediately followed by a look back, allowing us to observe this household prior to the disaster struck.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough opportunity to get to know the primary personalities prior to the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a former best friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has predictably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. The family patriarch is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely tense.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts that I almost forgot this was a horror film—which might seem like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of its runtime to showing viewers the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled me to relate to the personalities enough to care about their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often introduces individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine surprise when things finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and various household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to making an abrupt shift toward shocking territory. These introductory scenes don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to immerse in the setting prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
This movie also offers a fairly intriguing reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a recent batch of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more time explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this condition produces on people is utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and they're practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
More impressive compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some examples of dubious choices (like any typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, this proved a welcome realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for everything! trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters express appreciation toward one another seem far more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound message regarding relatives or society, either. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're effective frights, and since the film allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and entertaining
