Typically, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels largely exhausted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 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 defy my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Personal Growth
Among this movie's strongest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family before the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a married mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has understandably caused a falling out among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about only two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves incredibly strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so invested with this household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—which might sound like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime to showing viewers who each family member is, and how they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often introduces individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise once events eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and various family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a Korean drama with slightly dark humor before taking an abrupt turn toward shocking ground. These introductory moments don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to settle into its world before everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Origin
The film additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition originates in a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the movie devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir that appears to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this affliction produces on humans proves absolutely disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and they're almost guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of questionable decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with whatever heavy object is available rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a pleasantly realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for everything! trope often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close location. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters do show appreciation for each other feel much more genuine.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or society, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're effective frights, and because the film gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable
