Generally speaking, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre feels largely exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for months. But, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Character Growth
Among this movie's greatest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins using a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a van plows right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to see the family prior to the disaster struck.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a rift among the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he loves gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on Nes. The family head is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about just two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so invested with this family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film depicting us the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled me to relate with the characters enough to care about their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style that often introduces characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a real shock when things finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and various household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid humor before making an abrupt turn into "holy shit" ground. These early moments don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient time to immerse in the setting before everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Source
This movie additionally presents a quite interesting reason for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the movie had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir that appears to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the effect this affliction produces on humans proves absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and are almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of dubious decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her family are inventive and sharp. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available instead of standing still like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they decide over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been building for years. Nes is not perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation for each other feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep message about family or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're effective frights, and since the film allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable
