For the most part, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated and proved remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Character Growth
Among the film's greatest strengths is its superb pacing. It kicks off using a striking initial scene where a calm family party gets suddenly disrupted by a van plows into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like individual stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see this household prior to the disaster occurred.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters before the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and who loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. This household head consists of her dad, the owner of a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about just two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly tense.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—which might seem like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film depicting viewers the identity of every relative represents, and how they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment for this style which frequently presents characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine shock once events finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy before taking a sudden turn into "holy shit" territory. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Origin
This movie also offers a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the cause for this infectious condition stems from a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the movie devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir that appears to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the effect this condition produces on humans proves utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very convincing, and they're practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive compared to the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of dubious choices (like any any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. They also don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like prey in headlights while danger approaches.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning into zombies, which was a welcome authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been building for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another seem far more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound insight about family or society, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. Yet these are successful frights, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and entertaining
