For the most part, I'm over apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels mostly exhausted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Development
Among the film's greatest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off with a memorable initial scene where a calm family party gets suddenly disrupted by a van plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking stranger emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This intense moment is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household before the disaster occurred.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows the audience enough time to get to know the primary characters prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. The family head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about just two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I became so engrossed with this household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot this was a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film depicting us the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled me to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat in a genre which frequently presents individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a real shock when things eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to taking an abrupt turn toward shocking territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to settle into its world before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
This movie additionally presents a quite intriguing reason for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir that appears to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the limited context, the effect this affliction produces on humans is utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and are practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of dubious choices (like any typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still holding onto resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another feel far more sincere.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight about family or community, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are successful frights, and since the movie gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining
