For the most part, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre feels mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for months. But, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Growth
Among this movie's greatest assets is its superb rhythm. It begins using a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted by a van plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense scene is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household prior to the disaster struck.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough time to become acquainted with its main personalities prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable situation. This has predictably led to a rift among the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and who loves playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on her. The family patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two things: his business and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot this was a horror film—which might seem like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of its runtime to showing viewers the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities enabled me to connect to the personalities enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat for this style that often presents individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine surprise when things eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and various household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before taking an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" territory. These early moments don't focus too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still provides enough time to settle into the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Source
This movie additionally presents a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition originates in a new batch of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating 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, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very realistic, and they're practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of dubious decision-making (as in any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find rather than freezing like prey caught in lights as death nears.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people begin transforming into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for everything! trope often seen in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances when these characters express gratitude toward one another feel much more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are successful scares, and because the film gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is a captivating and enjoyable
