Typically, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems largely exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for some time. But, Netflix's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated and proved remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Pacing and Character Growth
Among this movie's strongest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence where a peaceful family party is violently disrupted when a van crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe the family prior to the disaster occurred.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly allows viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main personalities before the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has predictably caused a falling out between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. This household head is Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about only two things: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so invested in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of its runtime depicting us the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed the audience to relate with the characters enough to care about their fate—a rare feat for this style which frequently introduces individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, thus it's a genuine surprise once events finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and various family interactions in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before making an abrupt shift toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient time to settle into its world before everything gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Origin
This movie also offers a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the film had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited context, the effect this affliction produces on people is utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and are practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive than the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some instances of questionable choices (like any typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like prey caught in lights as death nears.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments where these individuals express appreciation for each other seem much more genuine.
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 offering up some profound insight about family or community, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're effective scares, and because the movie gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and entertaining
