Typically, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. But, Netflix's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Growth
Among this movie's greatest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It begins with a striking opening sequence in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a van crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the disaster occurred.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know its main personalities prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably led to a rift between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on her. This household head is her dad, who runs a popular natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I became so engrossed with this household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of its runtime to showing us the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities allowed the audience to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style that often introduces individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine surprise when things finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and various family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking an abrupt turn into shocking territory. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to settle into the setting prior to everything gets upended.
Original Infection Source
This movie also offers a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease stems from a recent batch of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the movie had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to creating a lethal potion which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of context, the impact this affliction produces on humans proves absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and they're practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
Even better compared to the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some instances of questionable choices (as in typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from the "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 end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals express appreciation toward one another seem much more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message about family or community, either. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. Yet these are effective frights, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result is an engaging and entertaining
