Typically, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre seems mostly exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Growth
One of this movie's greatest assets lies in the superb rhythm. It kicks off using a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle plows into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family prior to the disaster occurred.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary personalities before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a married mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. This has understandably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he appears to care about only two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly tense.
Invested in the Drama
I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film depicting viewers the identity of every relative is, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits allowed the audience to relate with the characters enough to care about their outcome—a rare feat for this style that often presents characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine shock when things finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and various household exchanges actually evoke the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before taking a sudden shift toward "holy shit" territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting prior to everything gets upended.
Original Infection Origin
This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the film had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this condition has on people is absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and are practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
More impressive than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of dubious decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, this proved a welcome realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a nearby location. But when Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters do show gratitude toward one another seem far more sincere.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message about family or society, as well. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. But they're effective frights, and because the film allows every personality sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result is a captivating and entertaining
