Generally speaking, I'm over apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre feels mostly exhausted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 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 my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Development
One of the film's strongest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence where a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately followed by a look back, allowing us to observe this household before the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough opportunity to get to know the primary personalities before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has predictably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and he loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. This household patriarch is her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film to showing us who each relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style which frequently introduces individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to consume, thus it's a real shock when things finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to making an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" territory. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient time to immerse in its world prior to it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Source
The film additionally presents a quite intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a new batch of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the film had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion which seems to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of context, the impact this affliction produces on people is utterly disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and they're almost guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
Even better than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some examples of dubious decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than freezing like a deer in headlights as death nears.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord when people start turning to the undead, which was a welcome realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters express appreciation toward one another seem far more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message about family or community, either. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're successful frights, and because the film gives each character enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable
