For the most part, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems mostly depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Growth
Among the film's greatest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins using a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle plows into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to see the family before the disaster occurred.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. This has predictably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he seems to care about only two things: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film depicting viewers who each family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing traits enabled the audience to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat for this style which frequently introduces individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine surprise when things eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor before taking a sudden shift toward shocking territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to immerse in its world before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Origin
This movie also offers a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this infectious condition stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the movie devoted 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. Despite the lack of context, the impact this condition produces on people proves utterly disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very realistic, and they're practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of dubious choices (like any any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object is available rather than freezing like prey caught in lights as death approaches.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they agree over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals express gratitude toward one another seem much more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message about family or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're effective scares, and because the film allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining
