For the most part, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre feels mostly depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. But, Netflix's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations turning out remarkably entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Character Development
Among the film's greatest assets lies in the superb rhythm. It begins using a memorable opening sequence where a calm family gathering is violently interrupted by a vehicle plows into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to see this household before the disaster occurred.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough opportunity to get to know its main characters before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and who loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. This household head is her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, but in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film to showing viewers who each relative represents, and how they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed me to relate with the characters enough to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a real shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before taking an abrupt turn into "holy shit" territory. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to settle into the setting before it gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Origin
The film additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the cause for this contagious disease originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While we do learn something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the movie devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a deadly potion which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this condition produces on humans is absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and they're almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
Even better than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some instances of dubious choices (like any typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object is available rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, this proved a pleasantly realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been building for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments when these characters do show gratitude toward one another feel much more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message about family or society, either. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. Yet these are effective scares, and because the movie gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and entertaining
