For the most part, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre seems largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for some time. But, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations and proved quite entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Development
One of this movie's greatest assets is its excellent rhythm. It begins using a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family party is violently disrupted when a van crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family before the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a falling out among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who loves gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. This household head consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so invested in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot this was a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, but in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film to showing us the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment for this style that often presents characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine surprise when things finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor before making an abrupt shift toward "holy shit" territory. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient time to immerse in the setting before everything gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Source
This movie also offers a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a new batch of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although we do learn something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the movie had spent a little more time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion that appears to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited context, the effect this affliction produces on humans is utterly disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and are almost guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
More impressive compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of questionable decision-making (as in typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object they find instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights as death nears.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict when people start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for everything! trope often seen in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This causes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude for each other feel far more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight about family or society, as well. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are effective frights, and since the film allows every personality sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining
