Generally speaking, I'm over apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems largely depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for months. But, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Character Development
Among this movie's greatest strengths is its superb pacing. It begins with a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe the family before the tragedy struck.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly allows the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main characters before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a former best friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has predictably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just two things: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so invested in the household's issues and their personal conflicts that I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of its runtime depicting viewers the identity of every family member is, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed me to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment for this style which frequently presents individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise once events finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and various household exchanges in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before taking a sudden shift into shocking territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to immerse in its world prior to it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Origin
The film additionally presents a fairly interesting reason for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although some background is provided a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a lethal elixir that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the impact this condition produces on humans proves utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and they're practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive compared to the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of questionable choices (as in any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with whatever heavy object is available rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters express gratitude for each other seem much more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are successful frights, and since the film gives each character enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome is an engaging and entertaining
