Typically, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems largely exhausted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Growth
Among this movie's strongest assets is its superb pacing. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence in which a calm family party is violently interrupted by a vehicle crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to see the family prior to the tragedy occurred.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main personalities before the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. This has understandably led to a rift between the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. The family patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two things: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so invested with this household's issues along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—something that could sound like a drawback, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film to showing us who each relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat in a genre which frequently presents individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise once events finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid humor prior to taking an abrupt turn into "holy shit" territory. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to immerse in its world prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Origin
The film additionally presents a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. While we do learn something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion that appears to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this affliction has on humans is utterly disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear quite convincing, and they're almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive than the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of dubious choices (as in any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with whatever blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like a deer in headlights as death approaches.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude for each other seem far more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are successful scares, and since the film allows every personality sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is an engaging and enjoyable
