For the most part, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems largely exhausted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Development
Among this movie's strongest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family party gets suddenly disrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This intense scene is immediately followed by a look back, allowing us to observe this household before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows the audience enough time to become acquainted with the primary characters before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a married mother with a former best friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. This has understandably caused a falling out between the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who appears to care about only two things: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so engrossed in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—which might seem like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of its runtime to showing us the identity of every relative is, and how they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled me to relate to the personalities enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often introduces individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a real surprise once events eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy before taking a sudden shift toward "holy shit" territory. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world before everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Origin
This movie also offers a quite intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the film devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Despite the lack of context, the effect this affliction produces on people is absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and they're practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
Even better compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some examples of dubious choices (as in typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like a deer in headlights as death approaches.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people start turning into zombies, this proved a pleasantly 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 movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close location. But when Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals express gratitude for each other seem much more genuine.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight about family or society, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. Yet these are successful scares, and since the film allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result is an engaging and enjoyable
