Typically, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre seems mostly depleted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Growth
Among the film's greatest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off with a striking initial scene where a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household before the disaster occurred.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient time to get to know its main personalities before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable situation. This has understandably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he enjoys gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on her. This household patriarch is her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so invested with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of its runtime to showing us who each family member is, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing personalities allowed me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces characters just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine shock once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor before taking a sudden turn into "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to immerse in its world prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
The film additionally presents a quite interesting explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the film devoted additional time on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the impact this condition produces on humans proves utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
Even better than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of questionable choices (like any typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. They also don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like prey caught in lights as death approaches.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude for each other feel far more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. But they're successful scares, and since the film gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable
