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 were enjoyable, the genre feels mostly exhausted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated and proved remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Development
One of this movie's greatest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins with a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted when a vehicle plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like individual emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe the family before the disaster occurred.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough time to become acquainted with its main characters before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. This has predictably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and he loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two aspects: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so invested in the family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film depicting viewers who each relative represents, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing traits allowed the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently presents characters only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine surprise when things eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and various family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" territory. These early scenes don't focus as much on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to settle into its world prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Source
The film also offers a fairly intriguing reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease stems from a recent batch of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although we do learn something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir that appears to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this affliction produces on people is absolutely disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and they're practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see a few instances of dubious decision-making (as in typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available rather than freezing like prey in headlights as death approaches.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, this proved a welcome realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances when these characters do show gratitude for each other feel much more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep message regarding relatives or society, either. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're successful scares, and because the movie allows every personality sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable
