Typically, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category seems mostly exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Character Growth
One of this movie's greatest strengths lies in the superb rhythm. It kicks off with a striking initial scene where a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a vehicle crashes into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to see the family before the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough opportunity to get to know the primary personalities prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a former best friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. This has understandably caused a rift among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch is Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two things: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film to showing viewers the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on conflicting traits enabled the audience to relate to the personalities enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style that often introduces individuals just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine shock once events finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and various household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama with somewhat morbid humor before making an abrupt turn toward shocking ground. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to settle into its world prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Source
This movie additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more time explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of background, the effect this affliction produces on people proves absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and are almost guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive than the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see some examples of dubious decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with whatever heavy object is available rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights as death nears.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning 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 pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another feel far more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound insight about family or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering scares. But they're successful scares, and because the film allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable
