For the most part, I'm over apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre seems largely exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. But, Netflix's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated and proved quite entertaining.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Development
One of the film's greatest strengths is its superb rhythm. It begins using a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle plows right into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household prior to the tragedy occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough time to become acquainted with the primary personalities before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift between the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on her. The family patriarch is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about only two aspects: his business and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so invested in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film to showing viewers the identity of every family member represents, and how they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits allowed me to relate to the personalities enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently introduces characters just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine shock when things eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama featuring slightly dark comedy prior to taking an abrupt turn into shocking territory. These introductory scenes don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough time to immerse in its world prior to everything gets upended.
Unique Zombification Origin
This movie also offers a quite interesting explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease stems from a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional time on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of context, the impact this affliction produces on humans proves utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very realistic, and are almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see a few instances of dubious decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument they find rather than freezing like a deer in headlights as death nears.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord when people begin transforming into zombies, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains holding onto resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree over the phone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been building for years. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another feel much more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight about family or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are successful scares, and since the movie allows every personality sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome is an engaging and entertaining
