For the most part, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels largely depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Character Development
Among the film's strongest strengths is its superb pacing. It begins using a striking initial scene in which a calm family gathering is violently interrupted by a van crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the disaster occurred.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary characters prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a popular natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two aspects: his business and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself 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 seem like a negative, but in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of its runtime to showing us who each family member is, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing traits allowed me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently presents individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, thus it's a real surprise once events finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and various family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to taking an abrupt shift toward shocking ground. These early scenes don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives sufficient time to immerse in its world prior to it gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Origin
The film additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the movie had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Despite the lack of context, the impact this condition produces on people is utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and are almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see a few examples of dubious choices (as in any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. They also don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available rather than standing still like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight about family or society, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're effective frights, and because the movie gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable
