Typically, I'm over apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels largely depleted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Growth
One of this movie's greatest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It begins with a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted by a vehicle crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe the family before the tragedy struck.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient time to get to know the primary personalities before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch is Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves extremely strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film to showing us the identity of every relative is, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently introduces individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to consume, thus it's a genuine shock when things eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and the multiple family interactions in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before taking a sudden shift into shocking territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in the setting before everything gets upended.
Original Zombification Source
The film additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease stems from a new batch of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although we do learn something regarding its origins, I wish the film devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited background, the effect this affliction produces on humans is utterly disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and they're practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
Even better compared to the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of questionable choices (like any any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for everything! trope often seen in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they decide over the phone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances when these characters express appreciation toward one another seem far more genuine.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're successful scares, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and entertaining
