For the most part, I'm over apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels largely exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Character Growth
One of the film's strongest strengths is its excellent pacing. It kicks off with a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted when a vehicle plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household before the tragedy struck.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives the audience enough time to become acquainted with its main characters before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable situation. This has predictably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch is her dad, who runs a well-known natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly strained.
Invested in the Drama
I became so engrossed in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked this was a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime depicting viewers who each relative represents, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed the audience to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often presents individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a real shock once events eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to making an abrupt shift into shocking territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to settle into the setting before it gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Origin
This movie also offers a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause for this contagious disease originates in a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although we do learn something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion which seems to contain a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this condition produces on humans is absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and they're practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
Even better compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see a few examples of questionable decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object they find instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights as death nears.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a pleasantly authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. But when Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been building for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another seem much more genuine.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight about family or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are successful frights, and since the movie gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining
