Typically, I'm over apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems largely depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. But, Netflix's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Development
One of the film's strongest strengths is its excellent pacing. It kicks off with a memorable initial scene where a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle plows into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking stranger emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense scene is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to see this household before the disaster struck.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough time to become acquainted with its main personalities before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. Naturally, this has predictably led to a rift among the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household head consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two things: his business and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of its runtime to showing viewers who each family member is, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled me to relate with the characters enough to care about their fate—a rare feat in a genre that often introduces individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine surprise when things finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to making an abrupt turn into shocking ground. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to settle into its world prior to it gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Origin
The film also offers a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this affliction has on humans is utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of questionable choices (like any typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like prey caught in lights as death nears.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a welcome realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for everything! trope often seen in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters do show appreciation for each other seem far more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message about family or community, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're successful scares, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining
