Typically, I'm over apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre feels mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for months. But, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Growth
Among the film's strongest strengths is its superb rhythm. It begins using a memorable opening sequence where a calm family gathering is violently interrupted when a van plows into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like stranger emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense moment is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe this household prior to the disaster occurred.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough time to get to know its main characters before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. This has understandably led to a rift among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured yet socially awkward, and he loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on Nes. This household head consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked this was a scary movie—which might seem like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of its runtime depicting viewers the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits allowed the audience to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat for this style that often presents individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise when things eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and various family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking an abrupt shift toward shocking territory. These early scenes don't focus as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in the setting prior to everything gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
The film also offers a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a new batch of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the impact this affliction produces on humans is absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive than the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of questionable decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people start turning into zombies, which was a pleasantly authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for everything! trope frequently used in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still holding onto resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another feel much more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight about family or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're successful frights, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable
