Typically, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre seems largely exhausted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. But, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Character Development
Among the film's strongest strengths is its superb rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene where a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted by a van plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to see the family prior to the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows viewers enough time to get to know its main personalities prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably caused a rift among the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he enjoys playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. This household head consists of her dad, the owner of a popular natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so engrossed with this household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film to showing viewers who each relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat for this style that often presents characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a genuine shock when things finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and various family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a K-Drama with slightly dark comedy before taking a sudden shift into shocking territory. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient time to immerse in the setting before everything gets upended.
Original Infection Source
This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a recent batch of Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion that appears to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the impact this affliction produces on humans is absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and they're practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
Even better than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of questionable choices (as in any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, this proved a welcome realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they agree over the phone to meet up at a close location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem 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 seem far more sincere.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight about family or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering frights. Yet these are successful scares, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable
