Generally speaking, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre feels mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. But, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out remarkably entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Development
One of this movie's strongest assets is its excellent rhythm. It begins with a memorable opening sequence where a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle plows into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household prior to the disaster struck.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient time to get to know its main characters prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a former best friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable situation. This has predictably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on her. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so invested in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of its runtime to showing viewers the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled the audience to connect to the personalities enough to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often presents individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a real surprise when things finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark humor before taking an abrupt shift toward shocking ground. These early scenes aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough time to settle into its world prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Source
This movie also offers a fairly interesting reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a new sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the film had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to creating a lethal elixir which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this affliction produces on people proves utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and are almost guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
Even better than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of questionable decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with whatever heavy object is available instead of freezing like prey caught in lights while danger nears.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, which was a pleasantly authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments when these characters do show appreciation for each other feel far more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight about family or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering scares. But they're effective frights, and since the movie gives each character enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining
