For the most part, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems largely exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been 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 remarkably entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Character Growth
One of this movie's strongest assets is its excellent rhythm. It begins using a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family party is violently disrupted by a van plows into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family before the disaster struck.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough time to get to know its main personalities prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has predictably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on her. The family head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two things: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so engrossed with this household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a drawback, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime depicting us who each family member represents, and how they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled me to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often presents characters just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, thus it's a genuine surprise once events finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to making a sudden turn toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to settle into its world prior to it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Origin
The film also offers a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the film devoted additional time on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the effect this affliction produces on people proves absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and are practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
Even better than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see some examples of dubious decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord when people 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 pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they decide over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another seem much more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are effective frights, and because the film allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining
