Typically, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre feels largely exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. But, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Growth
Among this movie's greatest assets is its excellent pacing. It begins with a striking initial scene where a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a look back, allowing us to observe this household before the disaster occurred.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly allows the audience sufficient time to get to know the primary characters before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. This has predictably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he enjoys gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about just two things: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so invested in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot this was a horror film—which might seem like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime depicting viewers the identity of every family member represents, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing traits enabled the audience to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style that often presents individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine surprise when things finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and various family interactions in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama with slightly dark humor before taking an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" territory. These early scenes aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to immerse in its world prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Origin
This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause for this infectious condition originates in a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the film devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited background, the effect this condition has on people proves utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and they're almost certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
More impressive compared to the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some examples of dubious decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever heavy object they find rather than freezing like prey in headlights as death nears.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people start turning into zombies, which was a pleasantly authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been building for years. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This causes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another feel much more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message regarding relatives or community, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. But they're effective frights, and because the film allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable
