Typically, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category seems largely depleted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. But, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved quite entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Growth
One of the film's strongest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins with a memorable initial scene in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a vehicle crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe this household prior to the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives the audience enough time to become acquainted with its main characters before the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a married mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has predictably led to a rift among the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on Nes. The family patriarch is her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film depicting us who each relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities allowed me to relate with the characters enough to care about their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style which frequently introduces characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before taking a sudden turn into shocking territory. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient time to settle into the setting prior to everything gets upended.
Unique Zombification Origin
The film additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. While we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the movie had spent additional time on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a lethal elixir which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this condition has on people proves utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite convincing, and are practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
Even better compared to the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of dubious choices (as in any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of standing still like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict when people begin transforming to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still holding onto resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances when these characters do show gratitude toward one another seem far more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are effective frights, and since the film allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result proves a captivating and entertaining
