Typically, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems mostly depleted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. But, Netflix's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Growth
One of this movie's greatest assets lies in the superb pacing. It begins with a memorable opening sequence where a peaceful family party is violently disrupted by a van plows into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household prior to the tragedy struck.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience enough time to become acquainted with the primary personalities before the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot this was a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film depicting us who each family member is, and how they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled the audience to relate to the personalities enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a real shock when things eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to making an abrupt shift into "holy shit" ground. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient time to immerse in its world before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing reason for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a recent batch of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion which seems to contain a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this affliction produces on humans proves absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and they're practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
Even better than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, 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 aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for everything! trope often seen in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel realistic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments when these characters do show appreciation for each other seem much more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message about family or society, either. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are successful scares, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and entertaining
