For the most part, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for months. But, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.
Excellent Pacing and Character Growth
Among this movie's greatest assets is its superb pacing. It kicks off with a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like individual emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family prior to the disaster struck.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary characters prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and who loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch is her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about just two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so invested with this family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked this was a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film to showing viewers the identity of every relative represents, and how they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled me to connect with the characters enough to care about their outcome—a rare feat in a genre which frequently presents characters just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, thus it's a real shock once events finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and various family interactions in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking an abrupt turn into "holy shit" ground. These early scenes aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in the setting prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Source
The film additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although some background is provided a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional time on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a lethal elixir that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of context, the effect this affliction has on people proves absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very realistic, and they're practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of questionable decision-making (like any any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like a deer in headlights while danger nears.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to promote the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This causes the moments where these individuals express appreciation for each other feel far more genuine.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are successful scares, and since the film gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable
