For the most part, I'm over apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems largely exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 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 what I anticipated turning out remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Development
One of this movie's strongest assets is its superb pacing. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence in which a calm family party gets suddenly disrupted by a van plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to see this household prior to the disaster struck.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with its main personalities prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has predictably led to a rift among the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and he loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on Nes. This household patriarch is her dad, who runs a popular natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so invested in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—which might sound like a drawback, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of its runtime depicting viewers the identity of every family member represents, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat for this style which frequently presents individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine shock once events finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and the multiple family interactions in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a K-Drama with slightly dark humor before taking an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" territory. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to settle into the setting prior to everything gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
The film also offers a fairly interesting reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this affliction has on humans is absolutely disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear very convincing, and are almost guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better than the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of dubious decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. They also don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find instead of freezing like a deer in headlights as death approaches.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict when people start turning into zombies, which was a pleasantly realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for everything! trope frequently used in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters express appreciation toward one another seem much more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight about family or community, either. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. Yet these are effective scares, and because the movie gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable
