Typically, I'm over apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre feels mostly exhausted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 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 my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Growth
Among the film's greatest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence where a calm family gathering is violently disrupted by a van plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like individual stumbles out proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family prior to the disaster struck.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly allows viewers enough time to become acquainted with its main personalities prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has predictably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and who loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. This household patriarch is her dad, the owner of a popular natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and he seems to care about only two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves extremely strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama that I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film to showing viewers the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing traits enabled me to relate to the personalities enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat in a genre that often introduces characters only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a real surprise once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid humor before making a sudden shift toward "holy shit" ground. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still gives sufficient time to immerse in the setting prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Source
This movie additionally presents a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of context, the effect this affliction produces on humans is absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and are almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
Even better compared to the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of questionable decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. They also don't hesitate to strike an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object is available instead of freezing like prey in headlights while danger nears.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree over the phone to meet up at a nearby spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another feel much more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. But they're successful scares, and because the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is an engaging and entertaining
