Generally speaking, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. But, Netflix's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Growth
Among this movie's greatest strengths lies in the superb rhythm. It begins with a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family party is violently interrupted by a van crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This intense moment is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to see the family before the disaster struck.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough time to get to know its main characters before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has understandably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and who loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family head is her dad, who runs a popular natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about only two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so invested in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film depicting us who each family member represents, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently presents individuals just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to consume, thus it's a real surprise once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and various household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy before making a sudden shift toward shocking ground. These introductory moments don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to immerse in the setting before everything gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
This movie additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of context, the effect this affliction has on humans proves utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and they're practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive compared to the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of dubious decision-making (like any typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like prey caught in lights while danger nears.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, which was a welcome realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals express gratitude toward one another seem much more genuine.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're effective frights, and because the movie allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and entertaining
