Typically, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre seems largely depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Growth
Among this movie's greatest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It begins with a memorable initial scene where a calm family gathering is violently interrupted by a vehicle plows into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This intense scene is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to see this household prior to the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main personalities before the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about only two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues and their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of its runtime to showing us the identity of every relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities enabled me to connect to the personalities sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine surprise once events finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and various household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy before taking an abrupt turn into "holy shit" territory. These early scenes aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough time to settle into the setting prior to everything gets upended.
Unique Zombification Source
The film also offers a quite intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a recent batch of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the movie had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of context, the effect this condition produces on people proves utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and they're practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of questionable choices (as in typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick an undead in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like prey caught in lights as death nears.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord when people start turning to the undead, which was a welcome realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals express appreciation for each other feel much more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message about family or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're successful frights, and because the movie gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is an engaging and entertaining