For the most part, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels mostly depleted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Personal Growth
One of the film's strongest strengths is its superb pacing. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a van plows right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to observe the family prior to the disaster occurred.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main characters before the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a married mother whose former close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably led to a rift among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely tense.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked this was a scary movie—which might sound like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of its runtime depicting viewers who each family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed the audience to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat in a genre which frequently presents characters just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a real surprise once events finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy prior to taking an abrupt shift into "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world before everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
This movie additionally presents a quite intriguing reason for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the cause for this infectious condition stems from a recent batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the movie had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Despite the lack of context, the impact this affliction produces on people is utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and are almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
Even better compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some examples of dubious choices (as in typical undead film), but generally, Nes and her family are inventive and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like prey caught in lights while danger nears.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for everything! cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they decide over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to promote the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals express appreciation toward one another seem much more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message about family or community, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're successful scares, and because the movie allows every personality sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and entertaining
