For the most part, I'm over apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre feels largely exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Growth
One of the film's greatest assets lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off with a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family gathering is violently interrupted by a van crashes into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see this household before the tragedy struck.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly allows the audience enough opportunity to get to know its main characters prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family head is Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he appears to care about just two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so engrossed with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a negative, but in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of its runtime depicting us the identity of every family member represents, and how they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits allowed me to connect to the personalities enough to care about their outcome—a rare feat in a genre that often presents individuals just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine surprise once events eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy before taking an abrupt turn into "holy shit" territory. These early scenes don't focus as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough time to settle into its world before everything gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Source
The film additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the cause for this infectious condition originates in a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. Although we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the movie had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a lethal elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited background, the effect this condition produces on people is absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite convincing, and they're practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
Even better than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some examples of questionable decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available rather than freezing like a deer in headlights as death nears.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for everything! cliché frequently used in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters do show appreciation toward one another feel much more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight about family or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering frights. Yet these are successful frights, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining
