For the most part, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels mostly exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Development
Among this movie's greatest strengths is its excellent pacing. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family gathering is violently interrupted by a vehicle plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see this household before the disaster occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough time to get to know the primary personalities before the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former best friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable situation. This has predictably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he enjoys gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. The family head is her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about only two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely tense.
Invested in the Drama
I became so invested with this family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot this was a horror film—which might seem like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film to showing viewers the identity of every relative is, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on conflicting traits allowed me to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat in a genre which frequently introduces individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine shock once events finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and various household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy before making an abrupt shift toward shocking ground. These introductory moments don't focus as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough time to immerse in the setting before everything gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Origin
This movie also offers a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this infectious condition originates in a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie had spent a little more time on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir that appears to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the lack of context, the impact this affliction produces on humans is utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and are practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of questionable choices (like any any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object they find instead of freezing like a deer in headlights while danger nears.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, which was a pleasantly authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree over the phone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters do show gratitude toward one another feel far more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight about family or community, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are effective scares, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result is an engaging and enjoyable
