Generally speaking, I'm over apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category seems largely exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations and proved remarkably entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Personal Growth
One of this movie's greatest assets is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off with a striking initial scene where a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle crashes into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the disaster struck.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary personalities before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has predictably caused a rift among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. The family patriarch is her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two aspects: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves extremely strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues along with their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of its runtime to showing us the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits enabled me to connect to the personalities enough to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often presents individuals just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine shock when things eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking a sudden turn into "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient time to settle into its world prior to it gets upended.
Unique Zombification Source
This movie additionally presents a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the film had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion that appears to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this condition produces on people is absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and they're practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
Even better compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of questionable decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord when people start turning to the undead, which was a welcome authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another feel far more sincere.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep message regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's mostly serving up scares. But they're successful frights, and because the movie allows every personality sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result is a captivating and enjoyable
