For the most part, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre feels largely depleted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out remarkably entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Character Development
Among the film's greatest strengths is its excellent rhythm. It begins with a striking initial scene where a calm family party is violently interrupted by a van crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is then followed by a look back, giving viewers to see the family prior to the tragedy struck.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient time to get to know its main personalities prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and he loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely tense.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama that I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of its runtime depicting viewers the identity of every relative is, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre that often introduces individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine shock when things finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and various family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before taking an abrupt shift toward "holy shit" ground. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still gives sufficient time to immerse in its world before everything gets upended.
Original Infection Origin
This movie also offers a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a recent batch of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the movie devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a lethal elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this condition produces on people proves utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and are practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
Even better compared to the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Of course, we see some instances of dubious decision-making (like any any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like a deer in headlights as death approaches.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a pleasantly authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for everything! trope often seen in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals express appreciation for each other feel much more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message about family or society, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are successful scares, and since the film gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable
