Typically, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre feels mostly depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. But, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated and proved quite entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Growth
One of the film's greatest assets lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence where a calm family party is violently disrupted when a van plows right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is then followed by a look back, giving viewers to observe the family before the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know its main characters before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has predictably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and who loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on her. The family patriarch is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two things: his business and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so engrossed with this household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked this was a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of its runtime to showing viewers who each relative is, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled me to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre that often introduces individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a real shock once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy before making a sudden turn into "holy shit" territory. These early moments don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient time to settle into its world prior to everything gets upended.
Original Infection Origin
This movie also offers a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this infectious condition stems from a recent batch of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the film devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this affliction has on humans is absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and they're practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some examples of questionable decision-making (like any typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like prey caught in lights as death nears.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been building for years. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals express appreciation for each other seem far more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep insight about family or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are effective scares, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable
