Generally speaking, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre feels largely depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. But, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Character Development
Among the film's strongest strengths is its superb rhythm. It begins with a memorable opening sequence where a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household before the disaster occurred.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough time to become acquainted with its main personalities before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on Nes. This household head consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—which might sound like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film to showing us who each relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled me to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat for this style that often introduces characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a real shock when things eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and various household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama featuring slightly dark comedy before making a sudden shift toward "holy shit" territory. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to settle into the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Origin
This movie also offers a fairly interesting reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although we do learn something regarding its origins, I wish the film had spent a little more time on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a deadly potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this condition produces on humans is utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very realistic, and they're practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
More impressive than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see a few examples of dubious decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object is available rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights as death nears.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been building for years. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another seem much more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight about family or community, either. Instead, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are effective frights, and because the film gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining