Generally speaking, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre feels largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Character Growth
One of the film's greatest strengths is its superb rhythm. It begins with a memorable initial scene where a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted by a van plows right into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like individual emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see this household before the disaster struck.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient time to get to know the primary personalities prior to the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a married mother whose former best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on Nes. The family patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a popular natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two aspects: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly overlooked I was watching a scary movie—which might seem like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film depicting us who each family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits allowed me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat for this style which frequently presents individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine shock when things eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and various family interactions actually evoke the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor before taking a sudden turn into shocking territory. These introductory moments don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to immerse in its world prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Origin
The film additionally presents a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the movie devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this affliction has on people is utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very convincing, and are practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of dubious choices (like any any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like a deer in headlights while danger nears.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord when people start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude for each other feel far more sincere.
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 message regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up scares. Yet these are successful frights, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and entertaining
