Generally speaking, I'm over apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations turning out remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Development
Among this movie's greatest assets lies in the superb rhythm. It begins with a striking opening sequence where a calm family gathering is violently interrupted by a vehicle plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to see the family before the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough opportunity to get to know the primary characters before the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has understandably caused a falling out between the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family head is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he seems to care about only two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so invested in the family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film to showing us who each family member is, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed the audience to relate to the personalities enough to care about their fate—a rare feat for this style that often presents individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a real surprise when things finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to making an abrupt shift toward shocking territory. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to immerse in the setting before everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Source
The film also offers a fairly interesting reason for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause for this infectious condition originates in a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the movie had spent a little more time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a lethal elixir that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited context, the effect this condition produces on humans is utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear very convincing, and are practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
Even better compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of dubious choices (like any typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord when people start turning to the undead, which was a welcome authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters do show gratitude toward one another feel much more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message regarding relatives or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are successful frights, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining
