Generally speaking, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. But, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Character Development
Among the film's strongest assets lies in the superb rhythm. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence where a calm family party is violently interrupted by a vehicle plows into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household before the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has predictably caused a falling out between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about just two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so invested in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of its runtime to showing viewers who each relative represents, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities allowed me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to care about their outcome—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often presents characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to devour, thus it's a genuine shock once events eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before making a sudden shift into "holy shit" territory. These early scenes don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough time to immerse in the setting prior to it gets upended.
Original Zombification Source
The film also offers a fairly interesting reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause for this infectious condition originates in a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the film devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this affliction produces on people is absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and are almost certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some examples of dubious choices (like any typical undead film), but generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available instead of standing still like prey caught in lights while danger nears.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, this proved a welcome realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know 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 family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another seem far more sincere.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound insight about family or society, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. Yet these are effective frights, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining
