For the most part, I'm over apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre feels mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. But, Netflix's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated and proved quite entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Character Development
Among the film's greatest strengths lies in the superb rhythm. It begins with a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family party is violently interrupted when a vehicle plows right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family before the disaster struck.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary personalities before the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has understandably led to a falling out between the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. This household patriarch is her dad, the owner of a popular natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two things: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues and their personal conflicts that I nearly forgot this was a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, but in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of its runtime depicting viewers the identity of every family member represents, and how they add to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to relate to the personalities sufficiently to care about their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently introduces characters just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, thus it's a genuine shock once events eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before making an abrupt shift into shocking ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient time to settle into its world before everything gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Origin
This movie also offers a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a new sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. While we do learn something regarding its origins, I wish the film had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of background, the impact this affliction has on people proves absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and they're practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
Even better compared to the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of questionable choices (like any typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. They also don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like a deer in headlights while danger nears.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for everything! trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent 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 close location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This causes those instances when these characters do show gratitude toward one another feel far more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're successful scares, and since the movie gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and enjoyable
