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 enjoyable, this category seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. But, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations turning out remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Development
Among the film's strongest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins with a memorable opening sequence where a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a van plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic moment is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe the family prior to the tragedy struck.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough time to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose former close friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has understandably led to a rift among the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and he enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on Nes. This household head consists of her dad, the owner of a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he seems to care about only two things: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves extremely strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of its runtime to showing viewers the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits allowed me to connect with the characters enough to care about their fate—a rare feat in a genre which frequently introduces individuals just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to devour, thus it's a real surprise once events eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before taking a sudden turn toward shocking territory. These introductory scenes don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to settle into its world prior to it gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
The film additionally presents a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the cause for this infectious condition stems from a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the film devoted a little more time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir that appears to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the effect this condition has on people proves utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear quite realistic, and are practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better compared to the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of dubious choices (as in typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like prey in headlights while danger approaches.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a pleasantly realistic 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 end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters express appreciation toward one another feel far more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. But they're successful frights, and because the film gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is an engaging and entertaining
