Typically, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels mostly depleted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Character Development
One of the film's strongest strengths is its superb rhythm. It begins with a memorable initial scene in which a calm family party is violently interrupted when a van plows into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see the family before the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient time to get to know its main characters prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a former best friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household head is Nes' father, the owner of a popular natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves extremely strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot this was a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime to showing us the identity of every relative is, and how they add to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities allowed me to connect to the personalities enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often introduces characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a real surprise once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama with slightly dark humor prior to taking an abrupt shift into shocking ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough time to settle into the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Source
The film also offers a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the cause for this contagious disease originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the film devoted a little more time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this affliction has on humans proves absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and they're almost guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
Even better compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of questionable choices (like any typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like a deer in headlights as death approaches.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments when these characters express gratitude toward one another seem far more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound insight about family or society, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are effective scares, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result is an engaging and entertaining
