For the most part, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre seems mostly depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. But, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Character Development
Among the film's strongest strengths is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off with a memorable initial scene in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a van plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see the family before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable situation. This has understandably caused a falling out between the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family head is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who appears to care about only two aspects: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked this was a horror film—which might seem like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film depicting us the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This focus on conflicting traits enabled the audience to connect with the characters enough to care about their fate—a rare feat in a genre which frequently introduces individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine surprise when things finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and various household exchanges in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid humor before taking an abrupt shift toward shocking ground. These introductory moments don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient time to settle into the setting before everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Origin
The film additionally presents a quite intriguing reason for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a new batch of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While we do learn something regarding its origins, I wish the movie had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir that appears to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the lack of context, the effect this affliction produces on humans is utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and they're almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of dubious choices (as in typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters do show appreciation toward one another seem far more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep insight about family or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering scares. But they're effective frights, and because the movie allows every personality sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining
