For the most part, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems largely exhausted 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, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Character Growth
Among the film's greatest assets is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off with a striking initial scene in which a calm family gathering is violently interrupted by a vehicle plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This intense moment is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household prior to the tragedy struck.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary personalities before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has understandably caused a rift among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household head is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a drawback, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of its runtime depicting us who each family member represents, and how they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits enabled me to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often presents characters only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine surprise once events finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and various family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a K-Drama with slightly dark comedy prior to taking an abrupt shift toward "holy shit" ground. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to settle into the setting prior to everything gets upended.
Original Infection Origin
The film additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this infectious condition originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more time explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to creating a lethal elixir which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the limited context, the effect this affliction has on people is absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear quite convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
Even better compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of dubious choices (like any typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like prey in headlights while danger approaches.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord when people start turning into zombies, which was a welcome authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another seem far more sincere.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound insight regarding relatives or society, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're successful scares, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable
