For the most part, I'm over apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Character Development
One of the film's strongest assets lies in the superb rhythm. It begins with a memorable opening sequence where a calm family party is violently disrupted when a van plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family prior to the tragedy struck.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough time to become acquainted with its main personalities before the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has predictably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet socially awkward, and he enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch is her dad, the owner of a popular natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two aspects: his business and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime to showing us the identity of every family member represents, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to connect to the personalities enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat for this style that often introduces individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, thus it's a real shock once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy before making a sudden turn into shocking territory. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting prior to it gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
This movie additionally presents a quite interesting explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the film devoted a little more time explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of background, the effect this condition has on people proves utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
Even better compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of questionable choices (like any typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like prey caught in lights while danger nears.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord when people start turning to the undead, which was a pleasantly authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. But when Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been building over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments when these characters do show appreciation for each other seem far more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message about family or society, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're successful scares, and since the film allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is a captivating and entertaining
