Typically, I'm over apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre feels mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations and proved quite entertaining.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Development
One of the film's greatest assets lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene in which a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted when a van crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like individual emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household before the disaster occurred.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough time to get to know the primary personalities before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably led to a rift between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and he loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on Nes. This household head consists of her dad, who runs a popular natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two aspects: his business and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film to showing us who each relative represents, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled me to relate to the personalities enough to care about their fate—a rare feat in a genre that often presents individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine surprise when things finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama with somewhat morbid humor prior to taking an abrupt shift toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to immerse in its world prior to everything gets upended.
Original Zombification Source
This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although we do learn something regarding its origins, I wish the movie had spent a little more time on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of context, the effect this affliction produces on humans is absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and they're practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of questionable decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people start turning into zombies, which was a pleasantly authentic 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 end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree over the phone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals express appreciation toward one another feel much more genuine.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are effective scares, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining
