Generally speaking, I'm over apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels largely depleted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. But, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated and proved quite entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Growth
Among the film's strongest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It begins using a memorable opening sequence where a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted by a vehicle crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household before the disaster struck.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary personalities before the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. This has predictably led to a falling out among the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on Nes. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves extremely tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so invested with this household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked this was a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime to showing us who each family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities enabled the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently presents individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise when things eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and various household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor before making a sudden shift toward shocking territory. These early scenes aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Source
The film additionally presents a fairly intriguing reason for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. While we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the film had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir which seems to contain an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this condition produces on people proves absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and are practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some examples of dubious decision-making (like any typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of standing still like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people start turning into zombies, which was a welcome realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for everything! cliché often seen in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances when these characters do show appreciation for each other seem far more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message about family or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're effective scares, and since the film allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable
