Typically, I'm over apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels largely exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Growth
Among this movie's greatest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins using a memorable opening sequence where a calm family gathering is violently interrupted by a van crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family prior to the disaster struck.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary personalities before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a married mother whose former best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to her. The family head consists of her dad, who runs a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two aspects: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves extremely strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so invested in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a significant portion of its runtime to showing us who each family member represents, and how they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled me to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat in a genre which frequently introduces individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine surprise once events eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to taking an abrupt turn into "holy shit" territory. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough time to settle into the setting before everything gets upended.
Original Infection Origin
This movie also offers a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the impact this condition produces on humans is utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and are almost guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
More impressive than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of questionable decision-making (like any any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with whatever blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict when people start turning to the undead, which was a pleasantly authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been building for years. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This causes the moments when these characters do show gratitude for each other seem much more sincere.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight about family or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. But they're successful scares, and since the film gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining
