For the most part, I'm over apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels largely exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for months. But, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Character Growth
One of this movie's strongest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off with a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family party is violently disrupted by a vehicle plows right into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is then succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see the family before the tragedy struck.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with its main personalities before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family head is her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he seems to care about just two aspects: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly tense.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so invested in the household's issues and their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked this was a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of its runtime depicting viewers who each relative is, and how they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits allowed me to relate with the characters enough to care about their fate—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often presents individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine shock when things eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy prior to taking an abrupt turn into shocking ground. These early moments don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient time to settle into the setting prior to everything gets upended.
Unique Infection Origin
This movie also offers a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the cause for this contagious disease originates in a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of background, the effect this condition has on people proves utterly disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of dubious decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available rather than standing still like a deer in headlights as death nears.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict when people start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for everything! trope often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters express gratitude toward one another feel far more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of 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 society, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are effective frights, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable
