For the most part, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems largely exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Character Growth
One of the film's greatest assets is its superb rhythm. It begins with a striking opening sequence where a calm family gathering is violently disrupted when a van plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see this household prior to the disaster struck.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience enough time to get to know its main characters prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably led to a rift among the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and who loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family head consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two things: his business and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—which might seem like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of its runtime depicting viewers who each relative represents, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities allowed me to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often presents individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, thus it's a genuine shock once events eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid humor before taking a sudden turn toward shocking territory. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to immerse in the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Source
The film also offers a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a new batch of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the film devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of context, the effect this affliction has on humans is absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and are almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
Even better than the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some instances of questionable decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord when people start turning into zombies, which was a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they decide over the phone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This causes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another feel much more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're effective frights, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is an engaging and enjoyable
