Generally speaking, I'm over apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. But, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Character Growth
One of this movie's greatest assets is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted by a vehicle crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see the family before the disaster struck.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough opportunity to get to know the primary characters prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a former best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has predictably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on Nes. The family head consists of her dad, who runs a well-known natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so invested in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film to showing viewers who each relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed me to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style which frequently presents individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine surprise once events finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark comedy before taking an abrupt shift toward "holy shit" ground. These early scenes aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting prior to it gets upended.
Original Infection Source
The film also offers a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a recent batch of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to producing a lethal elixir which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this condition has on humans proves utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear quite realistic, and are almost guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of dubious decision-making (as in any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick an undead in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people begin transforming to the undead, which was a welcome authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been building for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals express appreciation for each other feel far more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound insight about family or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're successful frights, and since the film allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining
