Generally speaking, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre feels mostly depleted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. But, Netflix's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Development
One of the film's strongest strengths is its superb rhythm. It kicks off with a striking initial scene where a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted when a vehicle plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is then succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family before the disaster occurred.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient opportunity to get to know its main personalities before the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just two aspects: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could sound like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime depicting viewers who each relative represents, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed the audience to connect to the personalities enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat for this style that often presents characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a real shock when things finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before taking a sudden turn into shocking ground. These early moments don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to immerse in the setting prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Origin
The film also offers a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition originates in a recent batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion that appears to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the impact this affliction produces on people proves absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear very convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive compared to the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of questionable choices (as in typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find rather than freezing like prey in headlights as death nears.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, which was a pleasantly realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide 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 on her brother which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters express gratitude toward one another feel much more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep message about family or society, either. Rather, it's mostly serving up scares. But they're effective frights, and since the movie gives each character enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome is an engaging and entertaining
