For the most part, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre feels mostly exhausted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Growth
Among the film's greatest strengths is its superb rhythm. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence where a calm family party is violently interrupted when a van crashes into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like stranger emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This intense moment is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household prior to the tragedy occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former best friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. The family patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so engrossed in the household's issues and their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked this was a horror film—which might seem like a negative, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of its runtime depicting viewers the identity of every family member represents, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to connect to the personalities enough to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often introduces characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine shock once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy prior to making an abrupt shift toward "holy shit" territory. These early moments aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to settle into its world before everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Source
The film additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a recent sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this condition has on people proves absolutely disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and are practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see a few instances of dubious choices (like any any good 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 with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like prey caught in lights while danger nears.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus 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 you almost died I immediately forgive you for everything! trope often seen in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been building for years. Nes is not perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments when these characters do show appreciation for each other seem much more genuine.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound message regarding relatives or community, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. But they're effective scares, and since the movie allows every personality sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining
