For the most part, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. But, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Pacing and Character Growth
One of the film's greatest assets is its superb pacing. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence where a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a van crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see this household prior to the tragedy struck.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows the audience sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with its main personalities before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on Nes. The family head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he appears to care about only two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot this was a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film depicting viewers the identity of every family member represents, and how they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits allowed me to relate to the personalities enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style that often introduces individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a real surprise when things eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a Korean drama featuring slightly dark comedy prior to making an abrupt turn into "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough time to settle into its world before everything gets upended.
Original Infection Origin
The film additionally presents a fairly intriguing reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a lethal potion that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of context, the impact this condition has on people proves absolutely disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and are almost guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of dubious choices (like any any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family are inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for everything! trope often seen in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been building for years. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This causes those instances where these individuals express gratitude for each other seem much more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are effective scares, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable