For the most part, I'm over apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems largely exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Growth
One of this movie's greatest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family party gets suddenly disrupted when a vehicle crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household prior to the disaster occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough time to become acquainted with its main personalities prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. This has understandably led to a falling out among the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured yet socially awkward, and he enjoys playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household head is her dad, the owner of a well-known natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he seems to care about only two aspects: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I became so invested with this household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—which might sound like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film depicting us who each relative is, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities enabled me to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment for this style which frequently introduces individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a genuine shock when things eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy before taking an abrupt shift into shocking territory. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to immerse in the setting prior to it gets upended.
Original Infection Source
This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the film had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir that appears to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited context, the impact this affliction produces on humans proves absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and are almost certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
More impressive than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of questionable choices (as in typical undead film), but generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object they find rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they decide over the phone to regroup at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been building for years. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This causes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another feel far more genuine.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound message about family or society, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're successful frights, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable
