Generally speaking, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems mostly exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Character Development
Among this movie's greatest strengths is its superb pacing. It begins with a striking opening sequence where a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family before the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience sufficient time to get to know the primary personalities before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. The family head is her dad, the owner of a well-known natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so invested in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could sound like a drawback, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of its runtime to showing us the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed me to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style that often introduces characters only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine shock once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama with slightly dark humor before making a sudden turn toward "holy shit" ground. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient time to immerse in its world prior to everything gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
The film also offers a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a recent batch of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While we do learn a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion that appears to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this condition produces on humans proves absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and are practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
More impressive than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some examples of questionable choices (like any any good zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like prey in headlights as death approaches.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for everything! trope often seen in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation for each other feel much more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message about family or community, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're successful frights, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable
