For the most part, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems mostly depleted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Personal Development
Among this movie's greatest assets lies in the superb rhythm. It kicks off with a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe the family prior to the disaster struck.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly allows the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a falling out among the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he enjoys playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on her. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so invested with this household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime to showing us the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed me to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently introduces individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine surprise once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy before making an abrupt shift toward "holy shit" ground. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient time to immerse in its world prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Origin
The film also offers a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a new batch of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. While we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the movie had spent a little more time explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a lethal elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this condition produces on humans is absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very realistic, and are almost guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some examples of questionable decision-making (like any any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord when people start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her husband, 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 via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another seem much more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're successful scares, and since the film allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable
