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, this category seems largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Character Development
One of this movie's greatest strengths is its excellent pacing. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence where a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a van crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense scene is then succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see this household before the disaster occurred.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient time to get to know its main personalities prior to the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two things: his business and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts that I almost forgot this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film depicting viewers the identity of every family member is, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled me to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style that often presents individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a real shock when things eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama with slightly dark comedy prior to taking a sudden turn toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient time to settle into its world before everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted additional time on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the impact this condition produces on humans is utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and are almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
More impressive than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of dubious choices (as in typical undead film), but generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike an undead in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object they find rather than freezing like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for everything! cliché often seen in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been building for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This causes those instances where these individuals express gratitude toward one another feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message about family or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're successful frights, and because the movie gives each character sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result is an engaging and entertaining
