Generally speaking, I'm over apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre feels largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. But, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Growth
Among the film's strongest assets is its superb rhythm. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to see the family before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough opportunity to get to know its main personalities prior to the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. This household patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about only two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so invested in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked this was a horror film—which might sound like a negative, but in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of its runtime to showing us who each relative represents, and how they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed me to relate to the personalities enough to care about their fate—an uncommon accomplishment for this style which frequently introduces individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, so it's a real shock once events finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and various family interactions in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to making an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" territory. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to settle into its world before it gets upended.
Unique Zombification Origin
This movie also offers a fairly interesting reason for the source of the contagious transformation. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a new batch of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted a little more time on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this affliction produces on people is absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and are almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
Even better compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of dubious decision-making (like any any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie 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 a deer caught in lights while danger nears.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude for each other seem much more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep message about family or community, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are successful scares, and because the film allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable
