For the most part, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre seems largely exhausted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for months. But, Netflix's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations and proved remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Growth
Among the film's greatest assets is its superb rhythm. It begins using a memorable initial scene where a calm family party gets suddenly disrupted by a van plows into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to see this household before the disaster occurred.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough time to become acquainted with its main personalities before the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a former best friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family patriarch is her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about only two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts that I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a drawback, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film to showing viewers the identity of every relative represents, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed me to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often introduces individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, thus it's a real shock when things finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and various household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy before making an abrupt shift toward "holy shit" territory. These early scenes don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough time to settle into its world prior to it gets upended.
Original Infection Origin
The film additionally presents a quite interesting explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a new sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the movie devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a lethal potion that appears to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the lack of background, the effect this condition has on humans is absolutely disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear quite realistic, and are almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of questionable choices (as in typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like a deer in headlights as death approaches.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for everything! cliché often seen in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters express gratitude for each other seem much more sincere.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or society, either. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. But they're effective frights, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves a captivating and entertaining
