Typically, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Growth
One of this movie's strongest assets lies in the superb pacing. It begins with a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking stranger emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This intense scene is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household before the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly allows viewers enough opportunity to get to know its main characters prior to the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a married mother whose former best friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. This has predictably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on Nes. The family head consists of her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film depicting us the identity of every relative represents, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing traits enabled me to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style which frequently introduces characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to consume, thus it's a real surprise when things eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to making an abrupt shift into shocking ground. These early scenes aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient time to settle into the setting before everything gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Origin
This movie also offers a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a new batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. Although some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the film devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this affliction produces on humans is utterly disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and are almost guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
Even better compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see some examples of questionable choices (as in typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike an undead in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like prey caught in lights as death nears.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict when people start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation 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 apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters express gratitude for each other seem far more sincere.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep insight about family or society, either. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are effective scares, and because the movie allows every personality sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and entertaining
