Typically, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre feels largely exhausted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Growth
Among this movie's greatest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off using a striking initial scene in which a calm family party gets suddenly disrupted by a van crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is then followed by a look back, allowing us to see this household prior to the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a married mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. This has understandably caused a rift between the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on Nes. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he seems to care about just two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues and their personal conflicts that I almost forgot this was a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of its runtime to showing viewers the identity of every relative is, and how they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits allowed the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently presents individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to devour, thus it's a real shock once events eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and various household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to making a sudden turn into shocking ground. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Source
This movie also offers a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the cause for this contagious disease originates in a recent sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the movie had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly elixir that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this condition produces on people proves absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
More impressive compared to the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Of course, we see some examples of questionable decision-making (as in typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object they find instead of standing still like prey caught in lights while danger nears.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree over the phone to meet up at a nearby spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This causes the moments where these individuals express appreciation for each other seem much more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight about family or community, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up scares. But they're successful frights, and because the film gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining
