For the most part, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems mostly depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for some time. But, Netflix's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Growth
Among the film's greatest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off with a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is then followed by a look back, allowing us to see this household prior to the disaster occurred.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly allows the audience sufficient time to get to know its main personalities before the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has predictably caused a rift between the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and who loves gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. The family head is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two things: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film to showing us who each family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed the audience to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat for this style which frequently presents individuals just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, thus it's a real shock when things eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and various family interactions in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a K-Drama with slightly dark comedy before taking an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" territory. These early scenes aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to settle into the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Source
This movie also offers a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the film devoted a little more time explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this condition has on people proves utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear very convincing, and they're practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of dubious decision-making (like any typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like a deer in headlights while danger nears.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a pleasantly authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound message regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're successful frights, and since the movie allows every personality sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable
