Typically, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. But, Netflix's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Character Development
Among the film's strongest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins with a memorable initial scene where a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle plows into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This intense scene is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household before the disaster struck.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient time to get to know the primary characters before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably led to a rift among the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on Nes. This household head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he seems to care about just two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly tense.
Invested in the Drama
I became so invested with this household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot this was a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of its runtime to showing viewers the identity of every family member represents, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled the audience to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently presents individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a real surprise once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and various family interactions in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a Korean drama with slightly dark humor before taking a sudden turn toward "holy shit" ground. These early moments aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough time to immerse in the setting prior to it gets upended.
Unique Infection Source
This movie also offers a fairly interesting reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the movie devoted additional time on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this condition has on humans proves absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's undead are fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and are practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
More impressive than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of questionable decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming to the undead, 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 all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they agree over the phone to meet up at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This causes the moments when these characters do show gratitude for each other feel far more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound insight about family or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are effective scares, and since the film allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining
