Typically, I'm over apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category seems mostly depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Growth
One of this movie's greatest assets is its superb rhythm. It begins using a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle crashes into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see the family before the disaster struck.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives the audience enough time to get to know the primary personalities prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a falling out between the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. This household head is Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two things: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely tense.
Invested in the Drama
I became so engrossed in the household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of its runtime to showing viewers the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities allowed the audience to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment for this style which frequently presents characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a real shock when things eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking an abrupt shift toward shocking territory. These introductory scenes don't focus too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to immerse in its world before it gets upended.
Unique Infection Source
This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a recent batch of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the movie devoted a little more time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this affliction has on humans is absolutely disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and are almost certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
More impressive than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see a few instances of questionable decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights as death nears.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord when people begin transforming into zombies, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another seem much more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound message about family or society, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're effective scares, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable
