Typically, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre feels largely depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations and proved remarkably entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Development
One of this movie's greatest assets is its excellent pacing. It begins with a memorable initial scene where a peaceful family party is violently interrupted by a van plows right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to observe the family prior to the disaster occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with its main characters before the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. This has predictably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two aspects: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly strained.
Invested in the Drama
I became so invested with this household's issues along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film to showing us the identity of every relative represents, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing personalities allowed me to relate with the characters enough to care about their outcome—a rare feat in a genre which frequently introduces characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise when things eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor prior to taking an abrupt shift into "holy shit" territory. These introductory moments don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient time to immerse in the setting before everything gets upended.
Original Zombification Source
This movie also offers a fairly interesting reason for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the cause for this infectious condition stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the movie devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to creating a lethal potion that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of background, the effect this condition has on humans proves absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear quite convincing, and are practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
More impressive compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some examples of questionable decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like prey in headlights while danger approaches.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people start turning to the undead, which was a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for everything! cliché frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close location. But when Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another seem far more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound insight about family or society, either. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are successful frights, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining
