Generally speaking, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre feels largely exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Development
Among this movie's strongest assets lies in the superb rhythm. It begins using a striking initial scene where a peaceful family party is violently interrupted by a van plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like individual emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe the family before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows the audience sufficient time to get to know the primary characters prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and he loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. This household head is her dad, the owner of a well-known natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so invested 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 spends a considerable amount of the film depicting us who each family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often introduces individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to devour, thus it's a real surprise when things finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to making a sudden shift toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough time to settle into its world prior to everything gets upended.
Original Zombification Source
The film also offers a quite intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a recent sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the movie devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited background, the effect this condition has on humans proves utterly disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and they're practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
Even better compared to the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of dubious choices (as in typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for everything! trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to push the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another seem much more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight about family or community, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are successful scares, and because the movie gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable
