Typically, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems largely depleted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations and proved remarkably entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Development
One of the film's greatest assets is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family party is violently interrupted by a vehicle crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual emerges proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then followed by a look back, giving viewers to see this household before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough time to become acquainted with its main personalities before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and who loves playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family head is her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts that I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime to showing viewers the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled me to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat in a genre which frequently introduces characters just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a real shock once events eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid humor prior to making an abrupt turn into "holy shit" territory. These introductory moments don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to settle into the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Source
The film additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this infectious condition stems from a recent batch of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the effect this condition produces on people proves absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and are practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
Even better than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see a few instances of questionable decision-making (like any any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. They also don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of standing still like prey caught in lights as death approaches.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, which was a pleasantly realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for everything! trope often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains holding onto resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters express gratitude for each other seem much more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're effective frights, and because the movie allows every personality sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and enjoyable
