Typically, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels mostly depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. But, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Character Growth
Among the film's greatest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins with a striking initial scene in which a calm family gathering is violently disrupted when a van plows right into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking stranger emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This intense scene is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with its main characters before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and he loves playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on her. This household head is her dad, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about just two aspects: his business and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so engrossed in the household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film to showing us who each family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre that often introduces individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a real shock once events finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy before making an abrupt turn toward shocking territory. These introductory moments don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to immerse in its world prior to it gets upended.
Unique Infection Source
The film additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the cause for this infectious condition stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. While we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted a little more time on how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited background, the effect this affliction produces on people proves utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very convincing, and they're almost certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
More impressive compared to the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some examples of questionable decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find instead of freezing like prey in headlights while danger nears.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters do show appreciation for each other feel far more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep insight regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are effective frights, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable
