Typically, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems largely depleted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Personal Development
Among the film's greatest strengths is its superb pacing. It kicks off using a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a van crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking stranger emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe the family before the tragedy struck.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows the audience enough time to get to know its main characters before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who loves playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he seems to care about only two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves incredibly strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so invested in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I nearly overlooked I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a drawback, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film depicting viewers the identity of every relative represents, and how they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled me to connect with the characters enough to care about their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style which frequently presents individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine shock when things eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before making a sudden turn toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient time to settle into its world prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although we do learn something regarding its origins, I wish the movie had spent a little more time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this condition produces on people proves utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear quite realistic, and are almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
Even better compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see a few instances of dubious decision-making (as in any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. They also don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with whatever heavy object is available rather than standing still like prey in headlights while danger nears.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for everything! cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree over the phone to meet up at a nearby spot. But when Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building for years. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters do show appreciation for each other feel far more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound message regarding relatives or society, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're successful scares, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is a captivating and entertaining