Typically, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels mostly depleted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for months. But, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Growth
Among this movie's greatest strengths is its excellent rhythm. It begins using a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a van plows right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense scene is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe this household prior to the disaster occurred.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough opportunity to get to know the primary personalities before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a married mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. This has understandably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. The family head consists of her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves incredibly tense.
Invested in the Drama
I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film to showing us who each family member represents, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits allowed me to connect to the personalities enough to care about their fate—a rare feat for this style which frequently introduces individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a real shock when things finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and various family interactions actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama with somewhat morbid humor before taking a sudden shift into shocking territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient time to settle into its world prior to it gets upended.
Unique Zombification Origin
This movie additionally presents a quite interesting explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a lethal elixir that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this condition produces on humans proves utterly repulsive, and 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 practical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and are almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
Even better compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of questionable choices (as in typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find instead of standing still like prey in headlights as death nears.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for everything! trope often seen in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters do show appreciation for each other seem far more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message about family or community, either. Instead, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're successful scares, and because the film gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is a captivating and entertaining
