Generally speaking, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre seems largely depleted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Character Development
One of this movie's greatest assets is its superb rhythm. It begins using a striking initial scene in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a van plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe this household prior to the tragedy struck.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough opportunity to get to know its main characters before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose former close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two aspects: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.
Invested in the Drama
I became so invested with this household's issues and their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of its runtime depicting us who each family member represents, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing traits allowed me to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre that often introduces characters just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a real surprise when things eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy before making a sudden shift into shocking territory. These introductory moments don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough time to settle into the setting before everything gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Origin
This movie also offers a fairly intriguing reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this infectious condition originates in a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of background, the effect this condition has on humans is utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very realistic, and they're almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
Even better compared to the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of dubious choices (as in typical undead film), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find instead of standing still like prey in headlights as death nears.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord when people start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close location. But when Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes the moments where these individuals express appreciation for each other feel far more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or society, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are effective frights, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable
