Typically, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre seems mostly exhausted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. But, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved remarkably entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Character Development
One of the film's strongest assets is its excellent pacing. It kicks off with a memorable opening sequence where a calm family gathering is violently interrupted by a vehicle crashes into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household before the tragedy struck.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly allows the audience sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. This has understandably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on her. The family head consists of her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked this was a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film to showing us who each relative is, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed the audience to connect to the personalities sufficiently to care about their fate—a rare accomplishment for this style that often introduces characters only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to consume, thus it's a genuine surprise once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama with slightly dark humor prior to taking an abrupt shift toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to immerse in the setting before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Origin
The film additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a recent batch of Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the movie devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this condition has on humans is absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear quite realistic, and they're almost certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
Even better compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of dubious decision-making (as in typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object is available rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights as death nears.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people start turning into zombies, which was a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close location. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude for each other seem much more genuine.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight about family or community, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are successful scares, and because the movie gives each character enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining
