Generally speaking, I'm over apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre seems largely exhausted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for months. But, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations and proved quite entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Character Development
Among the film's greatest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It begins with a striking initial scene where a calm family gathering is violently interrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a look back, allowing us to see this household prior to the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household head is her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about just two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a negative, but in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of its runtime to showing viewers who each family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits enabled the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often introduces characters only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a real surprise once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama with slightly dark comedy prior to making an abrupt shift toward shocking territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient time to immerse in its world prior to it gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Source
The film also offers a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this infectious condition stems from a new sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the film devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this condition has on people proves absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and they're practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
Even better compared to the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of questionable decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like prey caught in lights as death nears.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord when people begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals express gratitude toward one another feel far more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep insight regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are successful scares, and since the film allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining
