For the most part, I'm over apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Personal Growth
Among this movie's greatest assets is its superb pacing. It kicks off using a striking initial scene where a peaceful family party is violently disrupted when a vehicle plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to see this household before the disaster occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main personalities before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a former best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably caused a falling out between the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to her. The family head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves extremely tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so invested in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film depicting viewers the identity of every family member is, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently introduces individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to consume, thus it's a genuine shock when things finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy before taking an abrupt shift into "holy shit" ground. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to immerse in the setting before everything gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Origin
This movie also offers a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a new batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. While we do learn something regarding its origins, I wish the film devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion which seems to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of background, the effect this affliction has on humans is utterly disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and are almost guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of dubious choices (as in typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike an undead in the head, 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.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals 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 I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals express appreciation toward one another seem far more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound insight about family or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are effective scares, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable
