Typically, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels mostly depleted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Character Development
One of this movie's strongest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It begins using a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted when a vehicle plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately followed by a look back, allowing us to see the family before the disaster struck.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary characters before the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and he loves gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a well-known natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who appears to care about only two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves incredibly tense.
Invested in the Drama
I became so engrossed in the household's issues and their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film to showing us who each relative represents, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled the audience to connect to the personalities sufficiently to care about their outcome—a rare feat for this style which frequently presents individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine surprise when things eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama featuring slightly dark humor before making an abrupt turn into "holy shit" ground. These early scenes aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to settle into its world before it gets upended.
Original Zombification Source
This movie also offers a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this infectious condition originates in a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. While we do learn something regarding its origins, I wish the film had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion which seems to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited context, the effect this affliction produces on people is absolutely disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very convincing, and are almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better than the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see a few instances of questionable decision-making (as in typical undead film), but generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object they find instead of standing still like prey in headlights while danger nears.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict when people start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for everything! trope often seen in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another feel far more genuine.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound insight about family or community, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're effective frights, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable
