For the most part, I'm over apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre feels largely exhausted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. But, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations and proved quite entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Personal Growth
One of this movie's strongest assets lies in the superb rhythm. It kicks off using a striking initial scene in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see this household prior to the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly allows the audience enough time to get to know its main personalities before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a married mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on Nes. The family head consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he appears to care about just two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I nearly forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, but in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film to showing us who each relative represents, and how they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits enabled me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often presents characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine shock when things finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and various family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to making an abrupt turn toward shocking territory. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient time to immerse in the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Origin
This movie additionally presents a quite interesting reason for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the movie had spent a little more time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited background, the effect this affliction has on humans is utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and are practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see a few instances of dubious decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find instead of freezing like a deer in headlights as death approaches.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a pleasantly authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close location. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This causes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude for each other seem much more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are effective scares, and because the movie gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining
