Typically, I'm over apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels largely exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Character Development
Among the film's greatest assets is its superb rhythm. It kicks off using a striking initial scene where a calm family party gets suddenly disrupted by a vehicle crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see the family before the disaster struck.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly allows the audience sufficient time to get to know the primary personalities prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has predictably caused a falling out between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured yet socially awkward, and he enjoys playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a well-known natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two aspects: his work and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely tense.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime to showing viewers who each family member is, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces characters just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a real surprise when things eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor before making an abrupt turn into shocking ground. These early moments don't focus as much on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient time to settle into the setting prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Source
This movie also offers a quite interesting reason for the source of the contagious transformation. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the film had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited background, the effect this condition produces on humans proves utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and are almost certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some examples of dubious choices (as in any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like prey in headlights as death approaches.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict when people begin transforming to the undead, which was a welcome realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for everything! trope often seen in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals 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 is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters do show gratitude for each other feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep insight regarding relatives or society, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are successful scares, and since the movie gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable
