Typically, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre feels mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for months. But, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Pacing and Character Development
Among the film's strongest strengths is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off with a striking initial scene where a calm family gathering is violently interrupted when a van crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is immediately followed by a look back, allowing us to observe this household prior to the tragedy struck.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient time to get to know the primary personalities prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on her. The family head consists of her dad, who runs a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about only two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I became so engrossed in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of its runtime depicting us who each family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled me to connect with the characters enough to care about their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently presents individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a real surprise once events eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy prior to taking a sudden turn toward shocking territory. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient opportunity to immerse in the setting before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Source
The film also offers a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the film devoted additional time on how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this affliction produces on humans is utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and they're practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are some instances of dubious choices (like any typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord when people begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for everything! trope frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters do show appreciation for each other feel far more genuine.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep insight about family or community, either. Instead, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are successful frights, and because the film gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and entertaining
