For the most part, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre feels largely exhausted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated and proved remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Character Growth
Among the film's strongest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It begins using a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately followed by a look back, allowing us to see this household prior to the tragedy struck.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary personalities before the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably caused a rift between the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on her. The family head consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two aspects: his work and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film to showing viewers who each family member is, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often presents characters just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine surprise once events finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor before taking a sudden turn into "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough time to settle into its world prior to it gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
This movie also offers a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the film had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir that appears to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this affliction has on people is absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very convincing, and they're practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive compared to the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some instances of questionable decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find instead of standing still like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a pleasantly authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another feel far more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are successful frights, and since the film gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining
