Generally speaking, I'm over apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Development
Among the film's greatest strengths is its superb pacing. It begins using a striking initial scene in which a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the tragedy occurred.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly allows viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and who loves playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household head consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and he appears to care about just two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so invested with this household's issues along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—which might seem like a negative, but in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of its runtime depicting us who each family member is, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to relate to the personalities enough to care about their fate—a rare feat in a genre which frequently introduces characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to consume, thus it's a genuine shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy before taking a sudden turn toward shocking ground. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient time to settle into the setting prior to it gets upended.
Unique Zombification Origin
This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting reason for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although we do learn something regarding its origins, I wish the film devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a lethal potion that appears to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the effect this affliction has on humans is absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and are almost guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
Even better compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some instances of questionable decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family are inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights as death nears.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters do show appreciation for each other feel much more genuine.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep insight about family or community, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're successful frights, and because the film allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and entertaining
