Generally speaking, I'm over apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre feels mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Character Growth
Among this movie's strongest assets is its excellent rhythm. It begins using a striking opening sequence where a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe the family prior to the tragedy occurred.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with its main personalities prior to the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and who loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on her. The family patriarch is her dad, the owner of a popular natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about just two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—which might seem like a drawback, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of its runtime depicting us the identity of every relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing traits enabled the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often introduces characters just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine shock when things finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges actually evoke the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid humor prior to making a sudden turn into "holy shit" territory. These introductory moments don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives sufficient time to settle into the setting prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Source
The film also offers a quite interesting explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional time on how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the effect this affliction has on people is utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and are almost certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some instances of dubious choices (like any any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest heavy object is available instead of standing still like a deer in headlights as death approaches.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a pleasantly realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they decide over the phone to meet up at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This causes those instances when these characters express appreciation toward one another seem much more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message about family or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're effective scares, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining
