For the most part, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Personal Growth
Among the film's strongest strengths lies in the superb rhythm. It begins using a memorable initial scene in which a calm family party gets suddenly disrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like individual emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main personalities before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably caused a falling out between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on Nes. The family head consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so invested with this household's issues and their personal conflicts that I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of its runtime to showing viewers the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities enabled the audience to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre that often introduces individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, thus it's a real surprise when things eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama with slightly dark humor prior to making an abrupt shift toward "holy shit" territory. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to immerse in its world before it gets upended.
Original Infection Origin
The film also offers a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir that appears to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the impact this condition has on humans is absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very convincing, and are almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see some examples of dubious decision-making (as in typical undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with whatever heavy object they find instead of standing still like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another seem far more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep message regarding relatives or society, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're effective scares, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and enjoyable
