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 were gripping, this category feels largely depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for some time. But, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Character Growth
Among this movie's strongest strengths is its excellent rhythm. It begins using a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family party gets suddenly disrupted by a van plows into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to see the family prior to the tragedy struck.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough opportunity to get to know its main personalities before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a married mother with a former best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. This has understandably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but 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 Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I became so invested in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film depicting viewers who each relative represents, and how they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre that often presents individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to devour, thus it's a real shock when things finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before taking a sudden shift toward "holy shit" territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives sufficient opportunity to immerse in the setting before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
The film additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the cause for this contagious disease originates in a new batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the film had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this condition has on people is absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very convincing, and are practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
More impressive than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of questionable choices (as in typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find instead of standing still like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a pleasantly authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're successful scares, and because the film allows every personality sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and entertaining
