For the most part, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre seems mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Character Development
One of this movie's strongest assets is its superb pacing. It begins using a striking opening sequence in which a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle plows into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household prior to the disaster struck.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows the audience sufficient opportunity to get to know its main characters before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has understandably caused a rift among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured yet socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. This household head consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves extremely strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so invested in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime depicting viewers who each relative is, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled the audience to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often introduces characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, thus it's a genuine shock when things finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before making an abrupt shift toward "holy shit" ground. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to settle into its world prior to it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Source
The film additionally presents a quite intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited background, the effect this condition produces on people is absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear very convincing, and are practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some examples of questionable choices (as in any good zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her family are inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available instead of standing still like a deer in headlights as death approaches.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord when people begin transforming to the undead, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters express gratitude toward one another seem much more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound insight about family or society, either. Rather, it's mostly serving up scares. But they're successful scares, and since the film gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and entertaining
