For the most part, I'm over apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels mostly depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Character Development
Among this movie's strongest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle crashes into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly allows viewers enough time to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a former best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. This has predictably led to a falling out among the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. This household head consists of her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about just two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves extremely tense.
Invested in the Drama
I became so invested with this household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime depicting viewers the identity of every family member is, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits allowed me to connect to the personalities sufficiently to care about their fate—a rare accomplishment for this style that often introduces individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine shock when things eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and various family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to taking a sudden shift toward "holy shit" ground. These early scenes aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to settle into its world prior to everything gets upended.
Original Zombification Source
This movie additionally presents a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the movie devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir that appears to include an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited context, the impact this condition has on people proves absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and are almost certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive than the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see some examples of dubious decision-making (as in any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available rather than standing still like prey in headlights as death nears.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they decide over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters do show appreciation for each other feel far more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're successful frights, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining
