For the most part, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre feels mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for months. But, Netflix's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Development
One of the film's greatest assets is its excellent pacing. It kicks off with a memorable initial scene in which a calm family party is violently interrupted by a van plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic scene is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household before the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers enough opportunity to get to know its main characters before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. This household head consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves incredibly tense.
Invested in the Drama
I became so invested with this household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—which might seem like a negative, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film to showing viewers the identity of every relative is, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed me to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently introduces individuals 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 devour, so it's a genuine surprise once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to making a sudden shift into shocking ground. These early moments don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough time to immerse in the setting prior to everything gets upended.
Unique Infection Origin
The film also offers a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type 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 a bit about its origins, I wish the film devoted additional time on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly potion which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the limited context, the effect this affliction produces on humans is utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and they're almost guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
Even better compared to the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some instances of dubious choices (as in any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than freezing like a deer in headlights as death nears.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for everything! trope frequently used in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby spot. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation for each other seem far more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're effective frights, and since the movie allows every personality sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is an engaging and entertaining
