Typically, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre seems largely exhausted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Development
Among the film's strongest strengths is its superb rhythm. It begins with a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family party is violently disrupted by a vehicle plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately followed by a look back, allowing us to observe this household before the disaster occurred.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary personalities before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a falling out between the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he loves gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two aspects: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so invested with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film to showing viewers the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled me to relate with the characters enough to care about their fate—a rare feat in a genre which frequently introduces characters just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a real surprise when things eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and various household exchanges in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before taking a sudden turn toward shocking ground. These early moments don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to immerse in its world before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Source
The film additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While some background is provided something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more time explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion that appears to include an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited background, the effect this condition has on people proves utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very realistic, and they're practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
More impressive compared to the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see some examples of questionable decision-making (like any typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like prey in headlights while danger approaches.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord when people 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 I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes is not perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals express appreciation for each other seem much more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep message about family or society, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're successful scares, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and entertaining
