Generally speaking, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated and proved quite entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Development
Among this movie's strongest assets is its superb rhythm. It begins with a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted when a vehicle plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This intense scene is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe this household before the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters before the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a married mother whose former best friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. This has predictably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and he enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. This household patriarch is her dad, the owner of a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just two aspects: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly strained.
Invested in the Drama
I became so invested in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film depicting viewers the identity of every relative is, and how they add to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits allowed the audience to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style which frequently presents characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a real surprise when things finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before making an abrupt turn toward shocking territory. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting before everything gets upended.
Original Infection Origin
The film also offers a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a new batch of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the movie devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this condition has on people is absolutely disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and they're almost certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see some examples of dubious choices (like any any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like prey caught in lights as death nears.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a pleasantly authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals express gratitude for each other seem far more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are effective frights, and since the film allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable
