For the most part, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre seems largely depleted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Growth
One of this movie's strongest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off with a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family gathering is violently interrupted by a vehicle plows right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to observe the family before the disaster struck.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient time to get to know its main personalities before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. This has predictably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. The family head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two aspects: his work and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so invested with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film depicting viewers who each family member represents, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often introduces individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine shock once events finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a Korean drama with somewhat morbid humor prior to making a sudden shift into shocking territory. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to immerse in the setting before it gets upended.
Original Infection Source
The film additionally presents a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a recent sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While we do learn something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir that appears to include an extremely infectious virus. Despite the lack of context, the impact this condition produces on humans is absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and they're almost certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
Even better than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of dubious decision-making (as in typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with whatever heavy object is available rather than standing still like prey in headlights while danger approaches.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for everything! trope often seen in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes the moments when these characters do show gratitude toward one another feel far more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep insight about family or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are successful scares, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable
