Typically, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. But, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Pacing and Character Growth
Among this movie's greatest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene where a calm family party is violently disrupted by a vehicle plows into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is then followed by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the disaster occurred.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with its main personalities before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about just two things: his business and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama that I nearly overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film depicting viewers who each family member represents, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled the audience to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently introduces characters just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a real surprise when things eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and various household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to taking an abrupt turn toward shocking territory. These introductory scenes don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the movie devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this affliction produces on people proves utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear quite realistic, and are almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
More impressive than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some examples of questionable decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like a deer in headlights as death approaches.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another seem much more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep insight about family or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're successful frights, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result is a captivating and enjoyable
