For the most part, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels largely depleted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for months. But, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Growth
Among this movie's strongest assets lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a van crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is then succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe the family prior to the disaster occurred.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers sufficient time to get to know its main personalities prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about just two things: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves incredibly tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, but in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film depicting viewers who each family member is, and how they add to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled me to relate to the personalities enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat in a genre that often presents characters 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, so it's a genuine shock when things eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes 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 comedy before making an abrupt shift into "holy shit" territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in the setting prior to it gets upended.
Original Infection Origin
The film additionally presents a quite intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a new sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. While we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the film devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited context, the effect this condition has on humans is absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and they're practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
Even better than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of dubious choices (as in any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. They also don't hesitate to strike an undead in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find instead of standing still like prey in headlights while danger nears.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord when people start turning to the undead, which was a pleasantly authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another seem far more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound insight about family or community, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are effective frights, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable
