For the most part, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels mostly depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. But, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.
Excellent Pacing and Character Development
Among this movie's greatest strengths is its excellent pacing. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence where a peaceful family party is violently interrupted by a vehicle plows right into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like individual emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This intense moment is then followed by a look back, allowing us to see this household before the disaster struck.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough opportunity to get to know the primary personalities prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a married mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably led to a rift among the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. This household patriarch is her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two aspects: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I became so invested in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a significant portion of its runtime to showing viewers the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities enabled me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat in a genre that often introduces characters just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine surprise once events eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor before taking a sudden shift toward shocking territory. These early scenes aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to immerse in the setting prior to it gets upended.
Unique Zombification Origin
This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this infectious condition originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the movie devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly potion that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this affliction has on people proves absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and they're almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better compared to the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some instances of dubious decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation for each other seem far more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight about family or community, either. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. Yet these are successful scares, and because the film allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result proves a captivating and entertaining
