For the most part, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre feels largely exhausted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting 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 enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Development
One of this movie's greatest assets is its superb rhythm. It begins using a striking initial scene where a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted when a vehicle crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family prior to the tragedy struck.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives the audience sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with its main personalities before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on Nes. The family head is her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself 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 in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film depicting viewers the identity of every family member is, and how they add to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities allowed me to connect to the personalities enough to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style which frequently presents characters just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to consume, thus it's a real shock once events finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and various household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama with slightly dark humor prior to making an abrupt turn toward shocking ground. These introductory moments don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still gives sufficient time to settle into the setting prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Origin
The film also offers a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the film had spent a little more time on how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to creating a lethal elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the effect this condition produces on humans proves absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear quite realistic, and are almost certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some instances of dubious decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. They also don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like prey caught in lights as death nears.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved 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!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This causes the moments when these characters express appreciation for each other seem much more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're successful scares, and since the movie gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is an engaging and enjoyable
