Typically, I'm over apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre seems mostly exhausted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. But, Netflix's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Character Development
One of this movie's greatest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins with a memorable opening sequence where a calm family party gets suddenly disrupted by a van crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking stranger emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe the family prior to the tragedy occurred.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with its main personalities before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and who loves gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch is her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked this was a horror film—which might sound like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film to showing viewers the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing personalities enabled me to relate to the personalities enough to care about their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style which frequently introduces individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a real surprise when things eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama with slightly dark comedy before taking a sudden turn toward shocking ground. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to immerse in its world prior to everything gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
This movie also offers a quite intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the film had spent additional time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a deadly potion that appears to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the limited background, the effect this condition produces on people is absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and are practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
Even better compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of questionable decision-making (as in typical undead film), but generally, Nes and her family are inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find instead of freezing like prey caught in lights as death approaches.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to push the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances where these individuals express gratitude toward one another seem much more sincere.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep insight about family or community, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are successful scares, and because the movie gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable
