Typically, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre seems mostly depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Growth
Among this movie's strongest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It begins using a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted when a vehicle crashes into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family prior to the disaster occurred.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet socially awkward, and he enjoys playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. This household head consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about just two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so invested in the 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 negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film depicting us the identity of every family member represents, and how they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to connect with the characters enough to care about their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently introduces characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine shock when things eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and various family interactions actually evoke the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to making a sudden turn into "holy shit" territory. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to immerse in its world before it gets upended.
Unique Zombification Origin
The film also offers a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. Although we do learn something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited context, the impact this affliction has on people is utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and are practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see a few examples of questionable choices (like any typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with whatever heavy object they find instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion 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 films. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters do show appreciation for each other feel much more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep insight regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up scares. Yet these are successful frights, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and entertaining
