Typically, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre seems largely exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. But, Netflix's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Character Growth
Among this movie's strongest assets is its superb rhythm. It kicks off with a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted by a vehicle crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe the family prior to the disaster struck.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main characters before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on her. The family patriarch is her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly tense.
Invested in the Drama
I became so engrossed with this household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film depicting viewers the identity of every family member is, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing personalities allowed me to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment for this style which frequently introduces individuals just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine shock when things finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy before making an abrupt turn toward shocking territory. These introductory scenes don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to settle into the setting before everything gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Origin
The film also offers a quite interesting reason for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition originates in a new sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the film devoted a little more time explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this affliction produces on people proves absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and they're practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive compared to the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some instances of questionable choices (like any typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick an undead in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like prey in headlights as death approaches.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a pleasantly realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for everything! cliché often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they agree over the phone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been building for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters express appreciation toward one another seem far more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight about family or society, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. Yet these are effective scares, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable
