For the most part, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre feels mostly exhausted 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 subvert my expectations turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Growth
One of the film's strongest strengths lies in the superb rhythm. It kicks off using a striking initial scene in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense moment is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to see the family before the disaster occurred.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift among the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. The family patriarch is her dad, who runs a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he appears to care about just two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so invested with this household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film depicting us the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits allowed me to connect to the personalities enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre that often presents characters only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine shock when things eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and various household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor before taking a sudden shift toward "holy shit" territory. These introductory moments don't focus as much on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to immerse in the setting prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Origin
This movie additionally presents a quite intriguing reason for the source of the contagious transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this contagious disease originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited context, the impact this condition has on humans proves utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and are almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
Even better compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see a few instances of dubious decision-making (as in typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object they find rather than standing still like prey in headlights while danger approaches.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a pleasantly authentic deviation from the "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 apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters express gratitude toward one another seem far more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message about family or community, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are effective frights, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable
