For the most part, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems largely exhausted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Growth
One of the film's strongest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off using a striking initial scene in which a calm family party gets suddenly disrupted when a van plows right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to see the family before the tragedy struck.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives the audience sufficient time to get to know the primary personalities before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. This has understandably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. This household head consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he seems to care about just two things: his business and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film to showing viewers who each family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often presents individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a real shock when things finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before making an abrupt shift into "holy shit" ground. These early moments don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides enough time to settle into its world prior to it gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
This movie additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the film had spent a little more time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of context, the impact this affliction has on humans proves absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and are practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better compared to the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of dubious choices (like any typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters do show appreciation for each other feel much more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message about family or society, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are successful scares, and because the movie gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable
