For the most part, I'm over apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre seems mostly depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. But, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Development
Among this movie's greatest assets lies in the superb rhythm. It begins with a striking opening sequence in which a calm family gathering is violently interrupted when a van plows right into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to see the family before the disaster occurred.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough time to become acquainted with its main characters before the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. This has predictably caused a rift among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and he appears to care about only two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely tense.
Invested in the Drama
I became so invested in the family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—which might seem like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film depicting viewers who each family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on conflicting traits enabled me to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently presents individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a real surprise once events finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before taking a sudden shift into shocking ground. These early moments aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Origin
The film also offers a quite intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a deadly elixir that appears to contain an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this affliction produces on people is utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and they're almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
Even better compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of questionable decision-making (as in typical undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with whatever blunt instrument they find rather than freezing like a deer in headlights as death nears.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict when people start turning to the undead, which was a pleasantly authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances where these individuals express gratitude for each other seem much more sincere.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound insight regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're successful scares, and since the film allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining
