Typically, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated and proved remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Growth
One of the film's strongest assets lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off with a striking initial scene in which a calm family gathering is violently interrupted when a vehicle plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see this household prior to the disaster struck.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with its main characters before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. This household head consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two things: his business and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves extremely strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked this was a horror film—which might sound like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of its runtime to showing us who each relative represents, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled the audience to connect with the characters enough to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often introduces individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine surprise once events eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy prior to taking a sudden turn toward "holy shit" territory. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough time to immerse in the setting prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Origin
The film additionally presents a quite interesting reason for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause for this contagious disease originates in a recent sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion that appears to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the effect this affliction has on humans is absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
Even better than the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some instances of dubious decision-making (as in any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find rather than standing still like a deer in headlights as death approaches.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, which was a welcome realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for everything! trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters express appreciation toward one another feel far more sincere.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep message regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're effective frights, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining
