Typically, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. But, Netflix's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Character Development
One of this movie's greatest assets lies in the superb rhythm. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a vehicle plows right into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household before the disaster occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly gives the audience enough time to become acquainted with its main personalities before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. Naturally, this has predictably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and who loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. This household head is her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two things: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves incredibly tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so invested in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film depicting us the identity of every relative represents, and how they add to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits allowed me to relate to the personalities enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently presents characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a real surprise once events finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and various household exchanges actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama with slightly dark comedy before taking an abrupt turn into shocking territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient time to immerse in the setting prior to it gets upended.
Unique Infection Source
The film additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the movie devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly elixir which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited background, the impact this affliction has on humans is absolutely disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and they're practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
More impressive than the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see some examples of dubious decision-making (like any any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available instead of freezing like prey caught in lights while danger nears.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a welcome authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters do show gratitude for each other feel much more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound message regarding relatives or society, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're successful frights, and because the film allows every personality sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable
