Typically, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Development
Among this movie's strongest assets is its excellent pacing. It begins using a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family party is violently interrupted by a vehicle plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic moment is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family prior to the disaster occurred.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a former best friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably led to a rift among the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on Nes. The family head consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two aspects: his business and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so invested in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I almost forgot this was a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film to showing viewers who each family member is, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits enabled me to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently presents individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, thus it's a real surprise once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy before taking an abrupt turn into "holy shit" territory. These early moments don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient opportunity to immerse in the setting before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Origin
This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the film devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of context, the impact this affliction has on people proves absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and are practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
More impressive compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of questionable decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family are inventive and sharp. They also don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object they find rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights as death nears.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters express gratitude for each other seem much more genuine.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. Yet these are effective frights, and since the film gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining
