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 proved enjoyable, this category feels mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. But, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Personal Growth
One of this movie's strongest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins using a striking initial scene where a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted by a van crashes into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense scene is then succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household before the disaster occurred.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary characters before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and who loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on her. This household patriarch is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he appears to care about just two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so invested in the household's issues and their personal conflicts that I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film to showing us who each family member represents, and how they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits allowed the audience to relate with the characters enough to care about their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently introduces characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to consume, thus it's a genuine shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and various household exchanges in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to making a sudden shift toward shocking ground. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to immerse in the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Origin
This movie additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause for this contagious disease originates in a new batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the film devoted a little more time explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a lethal elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited context, the impact this affliction has on people is utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and are almost guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
Even better compared to the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some instances of questionable choices (like any any good zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object they find rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people start turning into zombies, which was a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters express gratitude for each other feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message about family or community, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are effective scares, and since the film allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable
