For the most part, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems mostly depleted nowadays. Yet 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, managed to subvert what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Character Growth
One of the film's greatest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a striking initial scene where a calm family gathering is violently disrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like individual emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household prior to the disaster occurred.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about only two things: his business and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime depicting us who each family member represents, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing traits allowed me to connect to the personalities enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often introduces individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine shock once events eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and various family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before making a sudden shift into "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments don't focus as much on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to settle into its world before everything gets upended.
Unique Infection Source
This movie also offers a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause for this infectious condition stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir that appears to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited context, the impact this affliction produces on humans proves absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear quite convincing, and are practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see a few examples of dubious choices (like any any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike an undead in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest heavy object is available rather than standing still like prey in headlights as death approaches.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome realistic 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!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close location. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This causes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude for each other feel far more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're successful scares, and because the film allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves a captivating and entertaining
