For the most part, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels mostly depleted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Growth
One of this movie's greatest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It kicks off with a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family party gets suddenly disrupted by a van crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household before the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary personalities before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has predictably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch is Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about only two aspects: his business and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of its runtime depicting us the identity of every family member is, and how they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing personalities enabled me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently introduces characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to consume, thus it's a genuine shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and various household exchanges actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to making an abrupt turn toward shocking ground. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to settle into its world before it gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Source
The film additionally presents a quite interesting reason for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition originates in a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the film had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a deadly potion which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this condition produces on people proves absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
Even better compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some examples of dubious decision-making (as in any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like a deer in headlights while danger nears.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict when people begin transforming to the undead, which was a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a nearby location. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation for each other feel far more genuine.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are successful frights, 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
