For the most part, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems largely exhausted nowadays. Even 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, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Development
Among the film's greatest assets lies in the superb rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene where a peaceful family party is violently disrupted when a van crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This intense scene is then succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see this household prior to the disaster struck.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on her. The family head is Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film depicting us the identity of every relative represents, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing traits allowed the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a real shock once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before taking a sudden turn into shocking territory. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to settle into the setting prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Source
The film also offers a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the film had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this affliction produces on humans is utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and they're practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
More impressive than the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see some examples of dubious decision-making (as in typical undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of standing still like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord when people start turning to the undead, which was a pleasantly authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for everything! cliché often seen in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation for each other seem much more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're effective frights, and because the movie allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable
