For the most part, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. But, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Development
Among this movie's greatest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene in which a calm family gathering is violently disrupted when a vehicle plows into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family before the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary characters prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and who loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family head consists of her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he seems to care about only two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so invested with this family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a drawback, yet in the end 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 dysfunction. This focus on clashing personalities enabled the audience to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and various household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy before making a sudden shift toward shocking territory. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting before everything gets upended.
Unique Zombification Source
This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir that appears to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this affliction produces on humans proves utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and they're practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
Even better compared to the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see a few instances of dubious decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they decide over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes the moments where these individuals express gratitude for each other seem far more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message about family or society, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are effective frights, and since the movie allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable
