Typically, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Personal Development
One of the film's greatest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off with a striking initial scene where a peaceful family party is violently interrupted when a van crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household prior to the tragedy occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary personalities before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on Nes. This household head consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two aspects: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so invested in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film depicting us who each relative is, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled the audience to relate to the personalities enough to care about their outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently presents individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine shock once events finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to making an abrupt shift into "holy shit" territory. These early scenes don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to immerse in its world before it gets upended.
Unique Infection Origin
The film also offers a quite intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition originates in a new sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this affliction produces on people is absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and they're practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
More impressive than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some instances of dubious choices (as in typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are inventive and sharp. They also don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest heavy object is available rather than freezing like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes 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 forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they decide over the phone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. Nes is not perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals express appreciation for each other seem much more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message about family or community, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're successful scares, and because the film gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable
