For the most part, I'm over apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels mostly depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for months. But, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Growth
One of this movie's greatest strengths is its excellent pacing. It begins with a memorable opening sequence where a peaceful family party is violently interrupted by a van plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family prior to the tragedy struck.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough opportunity to get to know its main characters before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable situation. This has understandably led to a falling out among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and who loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. This household head consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two aspects: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so invested in the family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime to showing viewers who each relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing traits enabled the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style that often introduces characters just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a real surprise when things finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy before taking an abrupt turn toward shocking ground. These early moments aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to immerse in its world prior to it gets upended.
Original Infection Origin
This movie also offers a fairly interesting reason for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause for this contagious disease originates in a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of context, the effect this condition produces on humans is absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and they're practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
More impressive than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of questionable decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever heavy object they find rather than freezing like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people start turning to the undead, which was a pleasantly authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for everything! trope frequently used in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent 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 how to get there, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters do show gratitude for each other feel much more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound message about family or community, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. But they're successful scares, and because the film gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and enjoyable
