Generally speaking, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels largely depleted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Growth
One of the film's strongest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted when a van plows right into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like individual stumbles out proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household before the disaster occurred.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient opportunity to get to know its main characters prior to the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a falling out among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and who loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so invested with this household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I almost forgot this was a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of its runtime to showing us the identity of every relative is, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits allowed me to relate to the personalities enough to care about their fate—a rare feat in a genre which frequently introduces individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to devour, thus it's a genuine shock when things finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to making a sudden shift into "holy shit" territory. These introductory scenes don't focus too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in the setting before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Source
The film also offers a fairly intriguing reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the movie had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a lethal elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the effect this affliction produces on people is absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear very convincing, and are almost guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
Even better compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some instances of questionable decision-making (like any typical undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest heavy object is available instead of standing still like prey caught in lights as death nears.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming to the undead, which was a pleasantly authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for everything! trope frequently used in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation for each other seem far more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message about family or society, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering scares. But they're successful scares, and since the film gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is an engaging and entertaining
