Typically, I'm over apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems mostly depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Growth
Among this movie's strongest assets is its superb pacing. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence in which a calm family party is violently disrupted when a vehicle plows right into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like stranger emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe the family prior to the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough time to get to know the primary characters prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household head is Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about just two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so invested in the family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—something that could sound like a drawback, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of its runtime to showing viewers the identity of every family member is, and how they add to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities enabled me to relate with the characters enough to care about their fate—a rare accomplishment for this style that often introduces characters just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, thus it's a genuine shock when things finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before making an abrupt turn into shocking territory. These early moments don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to settle into its world before everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Source
The film also offers a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional time on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion which seems to contain a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this affliction has on people proves utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and are almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
Even better than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see a few instances of questionable decision-making (as in any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object they find instead of standing still like a deer in headlights as death approaches.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a pleasantly authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters express appreciation for each other feel far more genuine.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message regarding relatives or society, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're successful frights, and because the movie gives each character enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result is a captivating and enjoyable
