Generally speaking, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category seems largely depleted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations and proved quite entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Character Growth
One of this movie's strongest assets is its excellent pacing. It begins using a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle plows right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like individual emerges proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic moment is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to see the family before the tragedy struck.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough time to become acquainted with its main personalities prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so invested in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of its runtime to showing us the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled me to relate to the personalities enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often presents individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to consume, thus it's a genuine shock once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor before making an abrupt shift toward shocking territory. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient time to settle into the setting before it gets upended.
Original Infection Source
This movie also offers a quite interesting explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition originates in a recent batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. While we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted additional time on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly potion that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this affliction has on humans is utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and are almost guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some instances of dubious decision-making (as in any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. They also don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord when people begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for everything! cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they decide over the phone to meet up at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This causes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation for each other feel much more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message regarding relatives or community, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're effective frights, and since the movie gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable
