Typically, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre seems largely exhausted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. But, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Character Growth
Among this movie's strongest assets lies in the superb rhythm. It begins using a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family party is violently interrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see this household prior to the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary characters prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. This has understandably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch is her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, but in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of its runtime depicting viewers who each relative represents, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled the audience to relate to the personalities sufficiently to care about their outcome—a rare feat in a genre that often presents characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a real surprise once events eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and various family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy prior to making an abrupt shift toward "holy shit" ground. These early moments aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to settle into its world before it gets upended.
Original Infection Origin
This movie also offers a quite interesting explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the film devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to creating a deadly potion which seems to contain a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this affliction has on people proves utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and are practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some examples of questionable decision-making (as in typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike an undead in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like prey caught in lights as death nears.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord when people start turning into zombies, which was a pleasantly authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still holding onto resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments where these individuals express appreciation toward one another seem much more genuine.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message about family or community, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are successful frights, 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
