Typically, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. But, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Development
Among the film's greatest strengths lies in the superb rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted by a vehicle plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see this household prior to the tragedy struck.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who loves gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about just two things: his business and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues along with their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked this was a scary movie—which might seem like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of its runtime to showing us who each relative represents, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits allowed me to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently introduces characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine shock once events eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to making a sudden shift toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments don't focus as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to immerse in its world before everything gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Source
This movie also offers a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition originates in a recent batch of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly potion that appears to contain an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this affliction has on humans proves absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear very convincing, and are practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
More impressive than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of dubious choices (as in any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever heavy object they find rather than standing still like prey in headlights as death approaches.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming to the undead, which was a pleasantly realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for everything! cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been building for years. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This causes those instances where these individuals express gratitude toward one another seem far more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message regarding relatives or society, either. Instead, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're successful scares, and because the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable
