Generally speaking, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Character Growth
Among this movie's strongest strengths is its superb pacing. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family gathering is violently interrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a look back, allowing us to see this household prior to the tragedy occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers enough opportunity to get to know its main characters before the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a married mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he enjoys playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about just two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime to showing us the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed me to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often presents individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a real shock when things eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and various family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy prior to taking a sudden turn toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to settle into the setting before everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
The film additionally presents a quite intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the movie had spent a little more time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the effect this condition has on humans is utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and are practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
Even better compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see a few instances of questionable decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available instead of standing still like prey in headlights as death nears.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been building for years. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters express appreciation toward one another seem far more genuine.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound insight regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are effective scares, and because the movie allows every personality sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining
