Typically, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels largely exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. But, Netflix's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Growth
One of this movie's strongest assets lies in the superb rhythm. It begins with a memorable initial scene where a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted when a van plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking stranger emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense scene is immediately followed by a look back, allowing us to observe this household before the disaster occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main personalities prior to the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has understandably led to a falling out between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. This household head is her dad, the owner of a popular natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about just two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could sound like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film depicting viewers who each family member represents, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities allowed me to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat for this style that often presents characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, thus it's a real surprise when things finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and various household exchanges actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to making an abrupt turn into "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to immerse in the setting before everything gets upended.
Original Zombification Source
This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the film devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this condition has on humans is absolutely disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very realistic, and are practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of questionable choices (like any any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object is available instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights as death nears.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord when people start turning to the undead, which was a welcome realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for everything! cliché frequently used in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. But when Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters do show gratitude for each other seem much more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message about family or society, either. Rather, it's mostly serving up scares. But they're successful frights, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and entertaining
