For the most part, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels largely depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Character Growth
Among this movie's strongest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a van plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe the family before the disaster struck.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient time to get to know the primary characters prior to the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a married mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has understandably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about just two aspects: his work and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly strained.
Invested in the Drama
I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film depicting us who each family member represents, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed the audience to connect to the personalities enough to care about their outcome—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often introduces individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a real surprise once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and the multiple family interactions in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before taking an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes don't focus too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to immerse in its world before everything gets upended.
Unique Zombification Source
The film also offers a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease stems from a recent batch of Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited background, the effect this condition has on humans proves absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very convincing, and they're practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better compared to the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of questionable choices (as in typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of standing still like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for everything! cliché frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another seem much more genuine.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're effective frights, and because the movie allows every personality sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable
