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 proved enjoyable, this category seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. But, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Character Development
Among the film's greatest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It kicks off with a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted when a van crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to see this household before the tragedy struck.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main personalities prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. This has understandably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and who loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household head is her dad, who runs a popular natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and he seems to care about just two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves incredibly strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so invested with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film to showing us the identity of every relative is, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to relate to the personalities enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often presents individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a real surprise once events eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a Korean drama with slightly dark humor prior to taking an abrupt shift toward "holy shit" ground. These early moments aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to settle into its world before it gets upended.
Original Zombification Source
The film also offers a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition originates in a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited context, the effect this condition has on humans is utterly disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and they're almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
More impressive than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of dubious choices (as in any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like prey in headlights as death nears.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people start turning into zombies, which was a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude for each other seem far more sincere.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound message about family or community, either. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're effective frights, and since the film allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result is an engaging and enjoyable
