Typically, I'm over apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for months. But, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Development
Among the film's greatest assets lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off with a striking initial scene where a peaceful family party is violently interrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family prior to the tragedy struck.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary characters prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has predictably caused a rift among the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and he enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two aspects: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so engrossed with this household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot I was watching a scary movie—which might seem like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime to showing us the identity of every family member is, and how they add to the overall dysfunction. This focus on clashing personalities allowed the audience to relate with the characters enough to care about their fate—an uncommon feat for this style that often presents individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a real surprise once events eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and various household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy before making an abrupt shift into shocking territory. These early scenes aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to settle into the setting before everything gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Source
This movie additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a new sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the movie devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly elixir that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this affliction produces on humans is absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and are practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
Even better than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of questionable choices (as in any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like prey in headlights as death nears.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord when people start turning into zombies, which was a welcome authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters do show gratitude for each other seem far more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're successful frights, and because the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and entertaining
