For the most part, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems mostly depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Growth
Among the film's strongest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence where a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted by a van crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the disaster occurred.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives the audience sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has understandably led to a falling out among the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. The family head is her dad, the owner of a popular natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two aspects: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves extremely tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so invested in the family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts that I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film to showing us the identity of every relative is, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits enabled the audience to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often presents characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, so it's a real shock when things eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark humor before making an abrupt shift toward shocking territory. These introductory moments don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to settle into the setting before it gets upended.
Original Zombification Source
This movie also offers a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the movie had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this affliction produces on humans is utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and they're almost guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of questionable choices (as in any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights as death nears.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide over the phone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude for each other feel far more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound insight regarding relatives or society, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are successful scares, and because the film allows every personality sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable
