For the most part, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre seems largely exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations and proved remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Growth
Among this movie's greatest assets lies in the superb rhythm. It kicks off using a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted when a van crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately followed by a look back, allowing us to observe this household before the disaster struck.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient time to get to know the primary personalities before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. This has predictably led to a rift among the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a well-known natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so invested in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film depicting viewers who each relative represents, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled me to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat in a genre which frequently presents individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and various family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy before taking a sudden turn toward shocking territory. These early scenes don't focus as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient time to immerse in its world prior to everything gets upended.
Unique Zombification Source
The film additionally presents a quite interesting explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a new batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although some background is provided a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more time explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited context, the effect this condition has on humans proves absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and are practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
More impressive than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of questionable choices (as in any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict when people begin transforming to the undead, which was a welcome realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters do show appreciation toward one another seem far more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound insight about family or community, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering scares. But they're effective frights, and since the film allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result proves a captivating and entertaining
