Typically, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre seems largely depleted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. But, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Character Growth
Among this movie's greatest assets is its superb pacing. It begins using a memorable initial scene in which a calm family party is violently interrupted by a vehicle crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family prior to the tragedy struck.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives the audience sufficient opportunity to get to know its main characters prior to the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. This has predictably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and he appears to care about only two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so engrossed in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot this was a scary movie—something that could sound like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film depicting viewers the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled me to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often introduces characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, thus it's a genuine surprise when things finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and various household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor prior to making a sudden shift toward shocking ground. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to settle into its world before everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
The film additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this infectious condition stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the film had spent a little more time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the lack of background, the effect this condition has on people proves absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and they're practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some examples of questionable decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with whatever heavy object they find instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for everything! cliché frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree over the phone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to promote the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals express appreciation for each other feel much more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message regarding relatives or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are effective frights, and since the film allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable
