For the most part, I'm over apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems mostly exhausted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for some time. But, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Growth
Among this movie's greatest assets lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted when a van crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is then followed by a look back, allowing us to observe the family prior to the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough time to become acquainted with the primary characters before the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured yet socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. This household head is Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two things: his business and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film to showing us who each relative is, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled the audience to connect to the personalities enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style which frequently presents characters just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise when things eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and various family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor before taking a sudden turn into shocking territory. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to immerse in the setting before everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Origin
The film additionally presents a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. Although we do learn something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the movie had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a lethal elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited background, the effect this affliction has on people is absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and are practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of questionable choices (like any any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than freezing like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, this proved a pleasantly realistic deviation from that "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 end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters do show gratitude toward one another feel far more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound message regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. Yet these are effective scares, and because the film allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is an engaging and entertaining
