For the most part, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Development
One of the film's strongest strengths is its excellent pacing. It begins with a striking initial scene where a peaceful family party is violently disrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household prior to the tragedy occurred.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough opportunity to get to know its main personalities prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably led to a rift between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he enjoys gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two aspects: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so invested in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked this was a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of its runtime depicting us who each relative represents, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled me to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style that often presents characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to devour, thus it's a real surprise when things eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and various household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to taking an abrupt shift toward "holy shit" territory. These early scenes don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world prior to it gets upended.
Unique Infection Source
This movie also offers a quite intriguing reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a new sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the movie had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a deadly elixir which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this condition has on people is absolutely disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and are almost guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of questionable decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family are inventive and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick an undead in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like prey caught in lights as death approaches.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals 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 forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This causes the moments when these characters do show gratitude toward one another feel far more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering scares. But they're successful frights, and because the film allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining
