For the most part, I'm over apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre feels mostly depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. But, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations and proved quite entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Character Development
One of the film's greatest strengths lies in the superb rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe the family prior to the tragedy struck.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough time to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably led to a falling out between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. The family head is Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two aspects: his work and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so invested in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film depicting us the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled me to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style that often presents characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a real shock once events finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid humor prior to making an abrupt shift into shocking ground. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough time to settle into its world before it gets upended.
Unique Infection Source
The film also offers a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the film had spent additional time on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this affliction produces on people is absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and are practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of dubious choices (as in typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her family are inventive and sharp. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like a deer in headlights while danger nears.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a pleasantly realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to push the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another feel much more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are successful frights, and since the movie gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and entertaining
