For the most part, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels mostly depleted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for months. But, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Character Development
Among the film's greatest assets lies in the superb rhythm. It begins using a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted by a vehicle crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe the family prior to the disaster struck.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with its main characters before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just 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 found myself so engrossed in the household's issues and their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime to showing viewers the identity of every family member represents, and how they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often introduces characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine shock when things finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama featuring slightly dark comedy prior to taking a sudden shift toward shocking territory. These introductory scenes don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to immerse in its world before it gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Origin
This movie additionally presents a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the film had spent a little more time explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir that appears to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the limited background, the effect this condition produces on people proves utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and are almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better than the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see some instances of questionable choices (like any typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are inventive and sharp. They also don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like prey in headlights while danger approaches.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for everything! trope often seen in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another seem far more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound insight about family or community, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are effective frights, and because the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable
