For the most part, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre feels mostly exhausted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Growth
One of the film's strongest assets is its superb rhythm. It begins with a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family party is violently disrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like individual stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is then succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the disaster occurred.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary personalities before the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a married mother whose former close friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably led to a falling out among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime depicting viewers who each relative is, and how they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed me to connect with the characters enough to care about their outcome—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often presents characters just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a real surprise when things finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama with slightly dark humor before taking an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" ground. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient time to immerse in its world before everything gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Origin
This movie additionally presents a quite intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a new batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the movie had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir that appears to contain an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this affliction has on people is utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and they're practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive compared to the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of questionable decision-making (as in typical undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters express appreciation for each other seem much more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound message about family or society, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're successful frights, and since the movie allows every personality sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable
