Typically, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre seems largely depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. But, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Personal Development
One of this movie's greatest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins with a striking opening sequence in which a calm family gathering is violently disrupted when a vehicle plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to observe the family before the tragedy struck.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary characters before the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose former best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has predictably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household head is her dad, who runs a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and he appears to care about only two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly strained.
Invested in the Drama
I became so engrossed with this household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot this was a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film to showing viewers the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently presents characters just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine surprise when things eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking an abrupt turn toward shocking ground. These early moments don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to immerse in the setting prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Origin
This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease stems from a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the film had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the effect this affliction produces on humans is absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and they're practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive compared to the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of questionable choices (like any typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and sharp. They also don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights as death nears.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation for each other seem far more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound insight regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're successful scares, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable