Typically, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre feels mostly depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for months. But, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Growth
One of the film's greatest assets lies in the superb rhythm. It begins with a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to see the family before the disaster struck.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly gives the audience enough time to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. The family head is Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about just two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so invested with this household's issues along with their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot this was a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of its runtime depicting viewers the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits allowed me to connect to the personalities enough to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently presents individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise when things eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark humor before making a sudden turn into "holy shit" territory. These early moments don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough time to settle into the setting before it gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a recent batch of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted a little more time on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this affliction produces on people proves utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very convincing, and are almost certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
Even better compared to the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of dubious decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like prey caught in lights while danger nears.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord when people begin transforming into zombies, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for everything! trope often seen in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters express gratitude toward one another seem far more genuine.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're successful scares, and since the film gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable
