Typically, I'm over apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre feels mostly depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Development
One of this movie's greatest assets is its excellent rhythm. It begins using a memorable opening sequence where a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted when a van plows into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like stranger emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This intense scene is then succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see the family prior to the tragedy occurred.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with its main personalities before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former best friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably caused a rift among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and who loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about just two aspects: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves extremely strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, but in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film to showing us the identity of every relative is, and how they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently presents characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine surprise once events eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and various family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a Korean drama with slightly dark humor prior to taking a sudden shift into "holy shit" territory. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world before everything gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Source
The film additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. While we do learn a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the limited context, the impact this affliction produces on people proves utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and they're almost guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
Even better compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are some instances of dubious choices (like any any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people begin transforming to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to push the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters do show gratitude for each other seem far more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're effective frights, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is an engaging and entertaining
