Typically, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre seems largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Development
Among the film's greatest strengths is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted by a vehicle plows right into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like individual stumbles out proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This intense scene is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household before the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with its main characters before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and he enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household head consists of her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly tense.
Invested in the Drama
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—which might seem like a drawback, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film depicting viewers the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently presents individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine shock when things finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor before taking an abrupt turn toward shocking territory. These early scenes don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to settle into the setting before everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Origin
This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the film had spent additional time on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a lethal elixir that appears to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this affliction produces on people is utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and they're almost certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
More impressive compared to the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of dubious choices (like any typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with whatever blunt instrument they find rather than freezing like prey in headlights as death approaches.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord when people start turning 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 everything! trope often seen in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another feel far more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're effective frights, and because the movie gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining
