For the most part, I'm over apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre feels largely depleted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Development
One of this movie's strongest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off with a memorable initial scene where a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a van plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is then followed by a look back, giving viewers to see this household prior to the disaster occurred.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough opportunity to get to know its main characters prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a former best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and who loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. This household head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two aspects: his business and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves extremely tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot this was a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film depicting viewers the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed me to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style which frequently introduces individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, thus it's a real shock once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to making an abrupt shift into shocking ground. These early scenes don't focus as much on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to immerse in its world prior to it gets upended.
Original Infection Origin
This movie also offers a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause for this contagious disease originates in a recent sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more time explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this affliction has on people is absolutely disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and they're almost certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
Even better compared to the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see a few examples of dubious choices (as in any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. They also don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another feel far more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound insight about family or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're effective scares, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable