Generally speaking, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre feels largely exhausted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for months. But, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Character Growth
Among this movie's strongest assets lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene where a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like individual emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This intense scene is then succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family prior to the tragedy struck.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly allows the audience enough opportunity to get to know its main characters prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on her. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he appears to care about only two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so invested in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of its runtime to showing viewers the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment in a genre which frequently presents characters only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a real shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and various family interactions in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a Korean drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to taking an abrupt shift into "holy shit" ground. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives sufficient time to immerse in the setting prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Source
This movie also offers a quite interesting reason for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the film devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the effect this affliction has on people proves absolutely disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear quite convincing, and are practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
Even better than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of dubious decision-making (like any any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for everything! trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This causes the moments when these characters express gratitude toward one another feel much more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight about family or society, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. But they're effective frights, and because the film allows every personality sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining
