Typically, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems mostly exhausted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. But, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Character Growth
Among the film's greatest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins using a memorable initial scene in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly disrupted by a van plows into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking stranger emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is then followed by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the disaster occurred.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family head is her dad, the owner of a popular natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two aspects: his business and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so invested in the family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked this was a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film to showing us who each relative represents, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This focus on conflicting traits allowed me to relate to the personalities enough to care about their fate—an uncommon accomplishment for this style which frequently presents characters only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to devour, thus it's a real shock when things finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor before taking a sudden shift into shocking territory. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still gives sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world before everything gets upended.
Unique Zombification Source
This movie also offers a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a lethal potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this condition produces on people proves utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and are almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
More impressive than the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of questionable decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument they find rather than freezing like a deer in headlights as death approaches.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments where these individuals express gratitude for each other feel far more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep insight regarding relatives or society, either. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. Yet these are effective frights, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable
