For the most part, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre feels largely exhausted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Development
Among the film's strongest assets lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off with a striking initial scene in which a calm family party gets suddenly disrupted when a van crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like individual emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to see the family prior to the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough opportunity to get to know its main characters before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. This has predictably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he enjoys playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family head consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two things: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves incredibly tense.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so invested with this household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of its runtime depicting us who each family member represents, and how they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled the audience to connect to the personalities enough to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often introduces characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise when things eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and the multiple family interactions in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to making an abrupt shift into shocking territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to immerse in the setting before everything gets upended.
Original Zombification Source
The film additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While we do learn something regarding its origins, I wish the film had spent additional time on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this affliction has on humans proves absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and are almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
Even better compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some examples of questionable decision-making (like any any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object they find rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been building for years. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude for each other feel far more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep insight about family or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're successful scares, and since the movie allows every personality sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable
