Generally speaking, I'm over apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels mostly exhausted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated and proved quite entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Character Development
Among this movie's strongest strengths is its superb pacing. It begins with a memorable opening sequence where a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle plows right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately followed by a look back, allowing us to see this household before the disaster struck.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough time to get to know its main characters prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. The family head is Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and he seems to care about just two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot this was a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film to showing viewers who each family member is, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to connect to the personalities sufficiently to care about their outcome—a rare feat for this style which frequently presents individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and various household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before making an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" territory. These early moments don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to immerse in its world before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Origin
This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although we do learn something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a lethal elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this affliction has on humans proves absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and are almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some instances of questionable choices (as in typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with whatever heavy object they find instead of standing still like prey in headlights while danger nears.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people start turning into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic 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 frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation for each other seem much more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up scares. But they're successful scares, and because the movie gives each character enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining
