For the most part, I'm over apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre feels mostly depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for some time. But, Netflix's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Development
Among the film's greatest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It begins with a memorable initial scene where a calm family gathering gets suddenly disrupted by a vehicle crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to see this household prior to the disaster occurred.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly allows the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. This household patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he appears to care about just two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so invested with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, but in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film to showing viewers who each relative represents, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed the audience to relate to the personalities enough to care about their fate—a rare feat in a genre which frequently presents characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a real surprise once events eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy before taking an abrupt turn into "holy shit" territory. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough time to immerse in the setting before everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Origin
The film additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the film had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this affliction has on people proves absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and are almost certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some examples of dubious decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like a deer in headlights as death nears.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming to the undead, which was a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances when these characters express gratitude toward one another feel far more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message about family or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are effective frights, and because the movie allows every personality sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable
