Typically, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category seems largely exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. But, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Growth
Among the film's strongest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins using a striking initial scene where a peaceful family party is violently disrupted by a van plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This intense moment is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to see this household prior to the tragedy struck.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. This household head consists of her dad, who runs a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two things: his business and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of its runtime depicting viewers the identity of every relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled the audience to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style which frequently presents characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to devour, thus it's a real surprise once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking a sudden shift into "holy shit" territory. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient time to settle into its world prior to it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Origin
This movie also offers a fairly interesting reason for the source of the contagious transformation. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a recent batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. Although we do learn something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the movie devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly elixir that appears to include an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited background, the impact this condition produces on people is utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and are practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
Even better than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some examples of questionable decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available rather than freezing like prey caught in lights as death nears.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a close location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This causes the moments when these characters do show gratitude toward one another seem far more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound message about family or community, either. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. But they're effective frights, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining
