Typically, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre feels largely depleted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Growth
Among this movie's strongest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence where a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted by a vehicle crashes into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like individual emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household prior to the disaster occurred.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough time to get to know its main personalities before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a rift among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household head consists of her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so engrossed in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked this was a horror film—which might sound like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of its runtime to showing viewers who each relative is, and how they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled me to connect with the characters enough to care about their fate—an uncommon accomplishment for this style which frequently introduces characters only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a real surprise when things eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama with slightly dark humor before taking an abrupt shift toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting prior to it gets upended.
Unique Zombification Source
This movie also offers a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease stems from a new sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the film had spent a little more time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of context, the impact this affliction produces on people is utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and are almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
Even better than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of questionable decision-making (as in any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like prey in headlights as death approaches.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict when people start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for everything! trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters do show appreciation for each other seem far more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or society, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're effective scares, and because the movie gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is an engaging and entertaining
