Typically, I'm over apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Development
One of the film's strongest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins using a memorable opening sequence where a calm family gathering is violently disrupted when a van plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly gives the audience enough time to become acquainted with its main characters before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has understandably caused a rift among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. This household head consists of her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two things: his business and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so invested in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime depicting viewers who each relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed me to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently introduces characters just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine surprise when things eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and various family interactions actually evoke the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to making an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" ground. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to settle into its world before it gets upended.
Original Zombification Source
This movie additionally presents a quite intriguing reason for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this condition produces on humans proves absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and are practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
Even better than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of questionable decision-making (as in typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family are inventive and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object they find instead of freezing like a deer in headlights as death approaches.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude for each other seem much more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight about family or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're successful scares, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result proves a captivating and entertaining
