For the most part, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre feels largely exhausted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out remarkably entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Character Development
One of the film's strongest assets is its excellent rhythm. It begins using a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family party is violently interrupted by a vehicle plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This intense scene is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the disaster occurred.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film depicting us the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed the audience to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often presents characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to consume, thus it's a genuine surprise once events finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking a sudden shift toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments don't focus too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still gives sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world before everything gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
The film additionally presents a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the movie had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the effect this affliction has on people proves absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and they're almost certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of dubious decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like a deer in headlights as death approaches.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, this proved a pleasantly realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for everything! cliché often seen in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude for each other feel much more sincere.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're successful scares, and since the film gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining
