Generally speaking, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems mostly depleted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. But, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated and proved remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Development
Among this movie's strongest strengths is its excellent pacing. It begins with a memorable opening sequence where a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted when a vehicle plows into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe the family prior to the disaster occurred.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with its main personalities prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose former close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. This household patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so engrossed in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film to showing us the identity of every family member is, and how they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This focus on clashing personalities allowed the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often introduces characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine surprise when things finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking an abrupt turn into "holy shit" territory. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world before everything gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Origin
The film additionally presents a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. While some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the movie had spent a little more time on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of context, the effect this condition produces on humans is utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and are almost guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
More impressive than the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see a few instances of dubious choices (as in typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object is available rather than freezing like prey caught in lights as death approaches.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a pleasantly authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals express gratitude toward one another feel far more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep message regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are successful frights, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable
