Generally speaking, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre seems mostly exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. But, Netflix's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Development
One of this movie's strongest assets is its superb rhythm. It begins with a striking opening sequence where a calm family party gets suddenly disrupted by a van crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see this household prior to the disaster struck.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough time to get to know its main characters before the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and who loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family head consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two aspects: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film depicting us who each relative is, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre that often introduces characters just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a real shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and various household exchanges actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking an abrupt turn into shocking ground. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient opportunity to immerse in the setting prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Source
This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the film devoted a little more time explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to producing a lethal elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of context, the impact this affliction has on people is utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and they're practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some instances of dubious choices (as in typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. They also don't hesitate to strike an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like prey in headlights while danger nears.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict when people start turning to the undead, which was a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters express appreciation toward one another feel far more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight about family or community, either. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're successful frights, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is an engaging and enjoyable
