For the most part, I'm over apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre seems mostly exhausted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for months. But, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Growth
Among the film's greatest assets is its superb pacing. It kicks off with a striking initial scene where a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted by a van crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see this household prior to the disaster struck.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows the audience sufficient opportunity to get to know its main personalities before the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a former best friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has understandably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household head consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about only two aspects: his business and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues and their personal conflicts that I nearly forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film to showing viewers who each family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed me to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often introduces characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine shock once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" territory. These early moments aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to settle into the setting before it gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Source
The film also offers a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the movie devoted additional time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited context, the effect this condition has on humans proves absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and are practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
Even better compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some instances of dubious decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find instead of standing still like prey in headlights as death nears.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a pleasantly authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they agree over the phone to meet up at a close location. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters do show appreciation toward one another seem far more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight about family or society, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are successful scares, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and entertaining
