Typically, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre feels largely exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Development
One of the film's strongest assets is its excellent pacing. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This intense moment is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe the family prior to the disaster occurred.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly allows the audience enough opportunity to get to know its main personalities prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a former best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. This has understandably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who loves playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family head is Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two aspects: his work and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so invested with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film to showing us who each family member is, and how they add to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing traits allowed me to relate to the personalities enough to care about their outcome—a rare feat in a genre which frequently presents characters just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine shock when things eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor before making a sudden turn into "holy shit" ground. These early moments don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to immerse in its world prior to everything gets upended.
Unique Zombification Source
This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a new sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the movie devoted a little more time explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion which seems to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited background, the impact this condition has on humans is utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very realistic, and are almost certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some examples of questionable choices (as in typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available instead of freezing like a deer in headlights as death nears.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming to the undead, this proved a welcome realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree over the phone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This causes the moments where these individuals express gratitude for each other feel far more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep insight about family or community, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up scares. Yet these are effective frights, and because the movie gives each character sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining
