For the most part, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels mostly exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations and proved quite entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Character Development
One of this movie's greatest strengths is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off with a memorable initial scene in which a calm family party is violently disrupted when a vehicle plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then followed by a look back, giving viewers to see the family before the disaster occurred.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly allows viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has predictably caused a falling out between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and who loves playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two aspects: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so invested with this household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I nearly overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime to showing viewers who each relative represents, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often introduces characters just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine shock when things finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and various family interactions actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama with slightly dark comedy before taking a sudden turn into shocking ground. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to immerse in the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Source
The film additionally presents a quite interesting explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a new batch of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the film devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir that appears to include an extremely infectious virus. Despite the lack of background, the impact this condition has on humans is utterly disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and are almost guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
More impressive than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of questionable choices (as in typical undead film), but generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available instead of standing still like a deer in headlights as death nears.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still holding onto resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. 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 a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been building for years. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals express gratitude toward one another feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound message regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're effective scares, and since the movie allows every personality sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and entertaining
