For the most part, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre seems largely depleted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Character Development
Among this movie's greatest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins using a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a van crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense scene is then succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see this household before the disaster struck.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives the audience sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and who loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. This household head is her dad, the owner of a well-known natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about only two things: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely tense.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so invested with this household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of its runtime depicting viewers the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often presents individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine shock when things finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama with slightly dark humor before making a sudden shift into shocking ground. These introductory scenes don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to immerse in the setting prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Origin
The film also offers a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this contagious disease originates in a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the effect this affliction produces on people is absolutely disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and they're almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of dubious choices (like any any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a welcome authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters do show appreciation for each other feel far more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message regarding relatives or society, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are successful frights, and since the movie gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable
