Typically, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems largely exhausted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated and proved quite entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Personal Development
One of the film's strongest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off using a striking initial scene where a calm family party is violently interrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the tragedy struck.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main personalities prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a rift among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and who loves gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household head is her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so engrossed with this household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of its runtime depicting us who each family member represents, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits allowed me to connect to the personalities sufficiently to care about their outcome—a rare feat for this style which frequently presents individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise once events eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges actually evoke the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to making a sudden turn toward shocking ground. These introductory scenes don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient time to settle into the setting before everything gets upended.
Original Infection Origin
This movie also offers a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a recent batch of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. Although we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly elixir that appears to include an extremely infectious virus. Despite the lack of context, the effect this affliction has on humans is absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and are almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
More impressive than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of questionable decision-making (like any typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like prey in headlights while danger nears.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a close location. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude for each other seem much more sincere.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound message regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're effective frights, and because the film gives each character enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining
