Generally speaking, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels largely exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. But, Netflix's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations and proved remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Development
One of the film's greatest assets is its excellent rhythm. It begins with a memorable opening sequence where a calm family gathering gets suddenly disrupted by a van plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like stranger emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to see this household before the disaster occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has predictably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and who loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to her. The family head is Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film depicting viewers who each relative is, and how they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to relate with the characters enough to care about their outcome—a rare feat for this style which frequently presents characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine shock once events eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a K-Drama with slightly dark comedy prior to taking an abrupt shift into "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient time to settle into the setting prior to everything gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
The film also offers a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition originates in a new sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. While we do learn something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a lethal elixir that appears to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this affliction has on people is absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and are almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of dubious choices (as in any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her family are inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains holding onto resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals express appreciation for each other feel much more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message about family or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're successful frights, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable
