For the most part, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre feels mostly depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. But, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Growth
One of the film's greatest assets is its superb rhythm. It begins using a striking initial scene where a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately followed by a look back, allowing us to see the family prior to the tragedy struck.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough time to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a former best friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has understandably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and who loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. This household head consists of her dad, who runs a well-known natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed 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 drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of its runtime depicting viewers who each relative represents, and how they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits enabled the audience to connect to the personalities sufficiently to care about their fate—a rare accomplishment for this style which frequently presents individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise when things eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and the multiple family interactions in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama with somewhat morbid humor prior to making a sudden turn toward shocking ground. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting before everything gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Source
This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a recent batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. 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 reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this affliction produces on humans is utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and are practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of questionable choices (like any any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object they find instead of standing still like prey in headlights while danger nears.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people start turning into zombies, which was a welcome realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for everything! trope often seen in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes is not perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another seem much more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering frights. Yet these are effective scares, and because the movie gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and enjoyable
