Typically, I'm over apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems mostly exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. But, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Development
Among the film's greatest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It begins using a memorable initial scene where a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle crashes into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is then succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family before the disaster struck.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a married mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he enjoys playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. The family head is her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so invested with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film depicting viewers who each family member is, and how they add to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed me to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently introduces individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a real shock when things finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and various family interactions in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to making an abrupt shift into shocking ground. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to immerse in its world before it gets upended.
Unique Infection Origin
The film additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a new batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the movie devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir which seems to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited background, the effect this condition produces on people is absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and they're almost certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of dubious decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest heavy object is available instead of standing still like prey in headlights while danger nears.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, this proved 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 end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree over the phone to meet up at a nearby spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense 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 understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters do show gratitude for each other seem far more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or society, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're successful frights, and because the movie gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable