For the most part, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels mostly exhausted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated and proved quite entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Development
One of this movie's strongest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence where a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted by a vehicle plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to see this household prior to the tragedy struck.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and who loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on Nes. This household head is her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two things: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so invested with this household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film depicting us the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled me to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style which frequently introduces characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a real shock once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and various family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to making a sudden turn into "holy shit" territory. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to settle into its world before everything gets upended.
Original Infection Origin
This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing reason for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly potion that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this condition produces on humans is absolutely disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and are almost certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of dubious decision-making (like any typical undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like a deer in headlights while danger nears.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict when people begin transforming to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a close location. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been building over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments when these characters do show appreciation toward one another feel much more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're effective scares, and since the film allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and entertaining
