Typically, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre seems mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. But, Netflix's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Development
Among this movie's strongest assets is its superb rhythm. It begins using a memorable initial scene in which a calm family gathering is violently disrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe the family before the disaster struck.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly allows the audience enough time to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a married mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has predictably led to a rift between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and who loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two aspects: his business and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so invested in the family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot this was a horror film—which might seem like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film depicting viewers the identity of every family member represents, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing traits allowed me to relate to the personalities enough to care about their fate—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often presents individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine shock once events finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and various household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama with slightly dark comedy before making an abrupt turn toward shocking territory. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to settle into its world prior to it gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Source
This movie additionally presents a quite interesting explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the film devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to creating a deadly potion which seems to contain a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this affliction has on people is absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and are almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of questionable choices (like any typical undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object they find rather than freezing like prey in headlights while danger nears.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude for each other feel far more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message about family or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering scares. But they're effective scares, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable
