For the most part, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels largely depleted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Character Growth
One of the film's strongest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It begins using a memorable initial scene where a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted by a vehicle plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see this household before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film to showing viewers the identity of every relative represents, and how they add to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed me to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently introduces individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a real shock when things finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama with slightly dark humor before making an abrupt shift toward "holy shit" ground. These early scenes aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to settle into the setting before everything gets upended.
Unique Infection Origin
This movie additionally presents a quite intriguing reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a recent batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more time explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of context, the impact this affliction produces on people proves utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very convincing, and are practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
More impressive compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some examples of questionable choices (as in any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her family are inventive and sharp. They also don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a pleasantly authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This makes the moments when these characters do show appreciation toward one another seem much more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering scares. But they're effective frights, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining
