Generally speaking, I'm over apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels largely depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Growth
One of this movie's strongest strengths is its superb pacing. It begins using a striking initial scene in which a calm family party is violently disrupted when a vehicle plows right into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like stranger emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see the family before the disaster struck.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main personalities prior to the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a falling out between the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. This household patriarch is her dad, the owner of a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film to showing us who each relative is, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits allowed me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to care about their fate—a rare feat for this style that often presents characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a real shock when things finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a Korean drama featuring slightly dark comedy prior to making a sudden shift toward "holy shit" territory. These early scenes don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to settle into its world before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Origin
This movie additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. Although we do learn something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the movie had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a deadly potion that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this affliction has on people is absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and they're almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
Even better than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some instances of questionable decision-making (as in typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like a deer in headlights as death nears.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals express gratitude for each other seem much more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound insight about family or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering scares. But they're successful frights, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable
