Generally speaking, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre feels mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Growth
One of the film's strongest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted when a van crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe this household prior to the tragedy struck.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a married mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and who loves playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. This household head is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about just two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—something that could sound like a drawback, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of its runtime to showing us who each family member is, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat in a genre that often introduces individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a real surprise once events eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and various household exchanges actually evoke the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid humor prior to taking an abrupt turn into "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient time to settle into the setting before everything gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Origin
This movie also offers a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. While we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this affliction produces on people is utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and they're practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
More impressive than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see some examples of dubious decision-making (as in typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like a deer in headlights as death nears.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another seem far more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're successful frights, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and entertaining
