Generally speaking, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels largely exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for some time. But, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Growth
Among the film's greatest strengths is its superb pacing. It begins with a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle plows into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a look back, allowing us to see this household prior to the disaster struck.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough time to become acquainted with the primary personalities before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. This has predictably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet socially awkward, and he enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on Nes. The family head consists of her dad, who runs a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two aspects: his business and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly tense.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot this was a horror film—which might sound like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film to showing viewers who each family member represents, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to connect to the personalities sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre that often introduces characters 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 real shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor before taking an abrupt shift toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world before everything gets upended.
Original Infection Origin
The film also offers a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion that appears to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of context, the effect this affliction has on humans proves utterly disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and they're practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of dubious decision-making (as in typical undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with whatever heavy object is available instead of freezing like prey in headlights while danger approaches.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide over the phone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been building for years. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters express gratitude toward one another seem much more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message about family or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're effective scares, and because the movie allows every personality sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable
