Typically, I'm over apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre seems largely exhausted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. But, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Character Growth
One of the film's greatest strengths is its excellent rhythm. It begins with a striking initial scene where a peaceful family party is violently interrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This intense scene is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to see the family prior to the tragedy struck.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly allows the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main personalities prior to the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has predictably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he loves gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. The family patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a well-known natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he appears to care about only two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I almost forgot this was a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film to showing us who each family member is, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled me to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently introduces individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a real surprise when things finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and various family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama with slightly dark humor prior to taking an abrupt shift into shocking ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to settle into the setting prior to it gets upended.
Original Infection Origin
This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this condition has on humans is utterly disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and they're almost certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
More impressive than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some instances of questionable choices (like any any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with whatever heavy object they find rather than standing still like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict when people start turning to the undead, which was a pleasantly realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her husband, 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 agree over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances where these individuals express gratitude for each other seem much more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're effective scares, and since the film gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable
