Typically, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels largely depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. But, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations and proved quite entertaining.
Excellent Pacing and Character Development
Among this movie's greatest strengths is its superb rhythm. It kicks off using a striking initial scene in which a calm family party is violently interrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like individual emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the tragedy struck.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly allows the audience enough opportunity to get to know the primary personalities prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has understandably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch is her dad, who runs a well-known natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and who appears to care about only two aspects: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a scary movie—which might seem like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film depicting us the identity of every family member represents, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style that often introduces individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to devour, so it's a real surprise once events eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark comedy prior to making an abrupt shift into shocking ground. These early scenes aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to immerse in the setting prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Source
The film additionally presents a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a new sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. While we do learn something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this affliction produces on humans is utterly disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear quite realistic, and they're almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
Even better than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of questionable decision-making (as in typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her family are inventive and sharp. They also don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available instead of freezing like prey in headlights as death nears.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord when people begin transforming to the undead, which was a pleasantly authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for everything! trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes the moments when these characters express gratitude toward one another feel much more sincere.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound message about family or community, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are effective scares, and because the movie allows every personality sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is a captivating and enjoyable
