Generally speaking, I'm over apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels mostly exhausted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for months. But, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Character Growth
One of this movie's greatest strengths is its superb pacing. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence where a calm family gathering is violently disrupted when a vehicle crashes into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to observe the family prior to the disaster occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough time to become acquainted with its main characters before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably led to a rift between the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and who loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so invested in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked this was a horror film—which might seem like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film depicting us the identity of every family member represents, and how they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their fate—a rare feat for this style that often introduces individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine shock when things eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and various household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama with slightly dark humor prior to taking a sudden turn into shocking territory. These early moments don't focus too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to settle into its world prior to it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Origin
This movie also offers a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a recent batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the film devoted additional time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of background, the impact this condition produces on humans proves utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and they're almost certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
More impressive than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see some instances of dubious choices (like any typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument they find rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for everything! cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters express gratitude toward one another feel far more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message about family or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering frights. Yet these are successful scares, and since the film gives each character enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result is a captivating and entertaining
