Typically, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre feels mostly depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. But, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Character Development
Among this movie's strongest assets is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence where a calm family gathering is violently disrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like individual emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense moment is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household before the disaster occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough time to get to know the primary characters before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and he enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family head is Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about just two aspects: his work and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves extremely strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so invested in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film depicting viewers the identity of every relative is, and how they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This focus on clashing personalities enabled the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style that often presents individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine surprise once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark comedy before making an abrupt shift into shocking ground. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in the setting prior to it gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the movie devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited background, the effect this affliction has on people is absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very convincing, and are practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of questionable decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument they find rather than freezing like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals express gratitude toward one another seem much more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound insight about family or community, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up scares. Yet these are successful frights, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable
