For the most part, I'm over apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre seems largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Character Development
Among this movie's strongest strengths is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted when a vehicle crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe the family before the tragedy struck.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has understandably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. The family head consists of her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two things: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so invested in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film depicting viewers who each family member represents, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing personalities enabled the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon accomplishment for this style which frequently introduces characters just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a real surprise once events eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a Korean drama featuring slightly dark comedy before taking a sudden shift into "holy shit" territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient time to immerse in its world before it gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Origin
This movie also offers a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the film devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this condition has on humans proves utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear quite realistic, and they're practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some examples of dubious choices (like any any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights as death nears.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict when people start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes the moments when these characters do show appreciation for each other seem much more sincere.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep insight about family or community, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're successful scares, and because the film gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable
