For the most part, I'm over apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Growth
Among the film's strongest strengths is its excellent pacing. It kicks off with a striking initial scene where a calm family party is violently disrupted when a vehicle crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe this household before the disaster occurred.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient time to get to know its main characters before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. This has understandably led to a rift among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he enjoys gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on her. This household head is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film depicting viewers the identity of every relative represents, and how they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to relate to the personalities enough to care about their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often presents individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine shock when things finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama with slightly dark humor before taking a sudden turn toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to settle into its world before it gets upended.
Original Zombification Source
The film additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. Although we do learn something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this condition has on humans proves utterly disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear very convincing, and are almost certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
Even better compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of dubious decision-making (like any typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available instead of standing still like prey in headlights while danger nears.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome authentic subversion 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 end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters do show gratitude for each other seem much more sincere.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight about family or community, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are effective scares, and since the film allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is an engaging and entertaining
