Generally speaking, I'm over apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre seems largely depleted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Growth
Among this movie's strongest assets lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off with a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family party is violently interrupted when a van crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family before the disaster occurred.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly allows the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary personalities before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. The family patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two things: his business and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so invested in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a significant portion of its runtime depicting viewers who each relative represents, and how they add to the overall dysfunction. This focus on clashing personalities allowed the audience to relate to the personalities enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre that often introduces characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine surprise when things eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking an abrupt shift toward shocking ground. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient time to settle into the setting before everything gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
This movie additionally presents a quite interesting reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition originates in a recent sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted additional time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion which seems to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of context, the impact this affliction has on humans is utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and are almost certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better compared to the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of questionable choices (like any any good zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of standing still like a deer in headlights as death nears.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict when people begin transforming to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they agree over the phone to meet up at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters do show appreciation for each other feel far more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight about family or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. Yet these are successful frights, and because the movie gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable
