Generally speaking, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. But, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Character Growth
One of this movie's greatest assets is its superb pacing. It begins using a striking initial scene where a peaceful family party is violently interrupted by a vehicle plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to observe the family prior to the disaster struck.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary personalities before the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has predictably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he loves playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household head is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just two things: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked this was a horror film—which might sound like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film depicting viewers the identity of every relative represents, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed the audience to connect to the personalities enough to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style which frequently introduces characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a real surprise once events finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and the multiple family interactions in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to taking an abrupt turn into "holy shit" ground. These early moments don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough time to immerse in the setting before everything gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Origin
The film additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a new sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the film had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this affliction has on people proves absolutely disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and they're practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
More impressive than the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of dubious choices (like any any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find instead of standing still like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a pleasantly 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!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree over the phone to meet up at a nearby spot. 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 isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters express appreciation toward one another seem far more sincere.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound message about family or society, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're effective scares, and because the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and entertaining
