For the most part, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Character Development
Among this movie's greatest strengths is its excellent pacing. It begins with a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted when a vehicle plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This intense scene is then followed by a look back, giving viewers to see this household before the disaster occurred.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers sufficient time to get to know the primary characters before the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. This has understandably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household head consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so invested with this household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of its runtime depicting us the identity of every relative represents, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed the audience to connect to the personalities sufficiently to care about their outcome—a rare feat in a genre that often introduces individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a real surprise once events eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking an abrupt turn toward shocking ground. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient time to immerse in its world prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Origin
This movie also offers a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a new batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more time on how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of context, the effect this affliction produces on people proves absolutely disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and are almost guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
More impressive than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Of course, we see some instances of questionable decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like prey in headlights as death approaches.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a pleasantly authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still holding onto 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. But when Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This causes those instances when these characters do show appreciation for each other seem much more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound insight about family or community, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are successful scares, and because the film allows every personality sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result is a captivating and entertaining
