For the most part, I'm over apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels largely exhausted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Character Growth
One of this movie's strongest strengths is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family party is violently interrupted by a vehicle crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to see this household before the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough time to get to know the primary characters prior to the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has understandably caused a rift between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and he enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. The family patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot this was a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of its runtime to showing viewers who each family member represents, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often introduces individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine shock when things eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and various family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to making an abrupt shift toward shocking territory. These introductory moments don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives sufficient opportunity to immerse in the setting prior to everything gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
This movie also offers a quite interesting reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a new batch of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While we do learn something regarding its origins, I wish the movie had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of background, the impact this condition produces on people proves utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and are practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
Even better than 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 resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights as death nears.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for everything! cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby spot. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been building over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments where these individuals express appreciation for each other seem far more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are effective frights, and because the film allows every personality sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is an engaging and enjoyable
