Generally speaking, I'm over apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category seems mostly exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Character Development
One of the film's greatest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It begins using a memorable opening sequence where a calm family gathering is violently interrupted by a van plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This intense scene is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to observe the family prior to the disaster occurred.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough time to become acquainted with its main characters before the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. This has predictably caused a rift between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and who loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely tense.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so invested with this household's issues along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film to showing us who each family member is, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This focus on clashing personalities allowed the audience to connect with the characters enough to care about their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre that often introduces individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a real shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and various household exchanges in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama with somewhat morbid humor prior to taking a sudden turn into shocking ground. These introductory scenes don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to immerse in its world before everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
This movie also offers a quite intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a recent batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the movie devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion which seems to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of context, the effect this affliction has on humans is utterly disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and are almost certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of dubious choices (like any any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument they find rather than freezing like prey in headlights while danger nears.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict when people begin transforming to the undead, which was a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for everything! trope frequently used in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close spot. But when Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters do show appreciation toward one another feel much more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message about family or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up scares. But they're effective scares, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining
