Typically, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre feels mostly exhausted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Character Growth
Among the film's greatest assets is its excellent pacing. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family party gets suddenly disrupted by a van crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This intense scene is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household prior to the disaster struck.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough time to become acquainted with its main personalities before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. This has understandably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on her. This household head consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about only two things: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly tense.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a drawback, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of its runtime to showing us who each relative is, and how they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently presents characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a real shock when things finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to making an abrupt shift toward shocking territory. These early moments don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to immerse in its world before it gets upended.
Unique Zombification Source
The film additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the movie devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a lethal elixir that appears to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this condition has on humans is utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and they're practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
Even better than the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see a few examples of dubious choices (like any typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with whatever heavy object is available rather than standing still like prey caught in lights as death approaches.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a pleasantly realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for everything! cliché frequently used in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This makes the moments when these characters express gratitude toward one another seem much more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. Yet these are successful scares, and since the film allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining
