Typically, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. But, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Personal Development
One of this movie's strongest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins with a memorable opening sequence where a calm family gathering gets suddenly disrupted by a van crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family before the disaster occurred.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters before the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable situation. This has predictably led to a falling out among the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and who loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on Nes. The family head consists of her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot this was a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film to showing viewers the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing 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 individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a real shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking an abrupt shift into "holy shit" ground. These early scenes aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to settle into the setting prior to everything gets upended.
Unique Zombification Source
This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, 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 lethal potion that appears to include an extremely infectious virus. Despite the lack of background, the impact this affliction has on people proves utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and they're practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive than the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see some examples of questionable decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like prey in headlights as death approaches.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for everything! trope often seen in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals express gratitude toward one another feel much more sincere.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight about family or community, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're successful scares, and since the film gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and entertaining
