For the most part, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels largely exhausted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for months. But, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated and proved quite entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Development
Among this movie's strongest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins with a striking opening sequence in which a calm family gathering is violently interrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic moment is then followed by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household before the disaster struck.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows the audience enough time to get to know its main characters prior to the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has understandably led to a falling out among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. This household head is her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he appears to care about only two aspects: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime to showing us who each family member represents, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities enabled the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their fate—a rare accomplishment for this style that often presents characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine shock once events finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before taking a sudden shift into shocking territory. These early moments don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to settle into the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Origin
This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the film had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited context, the impact this condition has on humans is utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and are almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
More impressive than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see a few examples of dubious decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with whatever heavy object is available instead of standing still like prey in headlights as death approaches.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a nearby location. But when Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another seem far more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up scares. But they're effective scares, and because the film allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining
