For the most part, I'm over apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre feels largely exhausted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Development
Among this movie's strongest assets is its superb pacing. It kicks off with a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted when a van plows right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately followed by a look back, allowing us to see this household prior to the disaster occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough time to get to know the primary characters before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift among the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and he loves gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on her. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly tense.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so invested in the household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film to showing viewers who each family member is, and how they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits allowed the audience to relate to the personalities enough to care about their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style that often presents individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a real surprise once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama with slightly dark comedy prior to taking an abrupt shift toward "holy shit" territory. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to settle into its world prior to everything gets upended.
Unique Zombification Source
The film also offers a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease stems from a new batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the movie devoted a little more time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir that appears to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited context, the effect this affliction produces on humans is absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and they're almost certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
Even better than the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of dubious decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available instead of standing still like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals express appreciation for each other seem far more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep insight about family or community, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are effective scares, and because the movie allows every personality sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome is an engaging and entertaining
