For the most part, I'm over apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre feels largely exhausted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Development
One of this movie's strongest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins using a memorable initial scene where a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted by a van crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the tragedy struck.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose former close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out between the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured yet socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. This household head is Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of its runtime depicting us who each family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing personalities enabled me to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat in a genre which frequently introduces individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a real shock once events finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and the multiple family interactions in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking an abrupt turn toward shocking territory. These early moments aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to immerse in the setting prior to it gets upended.
Original Zombification Source
This movie also offers a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a recent batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. Although some background is provided a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie had spent a little more time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir that appears to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this condition has on humans is absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and are almost certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
Even better than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of questionable decision-making (like any any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord when people start turning into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for everything! trope frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been building over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters express gratitude for each other seem far more genuine.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep message regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're effective scares, and since the movie allows every personality sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is an engaging and entertaining
