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 gripping, the genre feels mostly depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. But, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated and proved quite entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Character Development
One of the film's greatest strengths is its excellent rhythm. It begins using a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is then succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe the family before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly gives the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with its main personalities prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably led to a falling out among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family head is Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about just two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked this was a horror film—which might seem like a negative, but in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of its runtime to showing viewers the identity of every relative represents, and how they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits allowed the audience to connect with the characters enough to care about their outcome—a rare feat in a genre which frequently introduces individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine shock once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and various household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to making a sudden turn toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to settle into its world before it gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Source
The film additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the film had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion which seems to contain a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this affliction has on humans proves absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and they're practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
More impressive than the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of dubious decision-making (as in any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances where these individuals express gratitude toward one another feel much more sincere.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are successful scares, and because the film gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and entertaining
