Typically, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems mostly exhausted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated and proved quite entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Development
Among this movie's greatest assets lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence where a peaceful family party is violently interrupted by a vehicle crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to see this household prior to the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough time to become acquainted with its main characters before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a married mother whose former best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has predictably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and who loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on her. This household patriarch is her dad, the owner of a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two things: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—something that could sound like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film depicting viewers who each relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to relate to the personalities enough to care about their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre that often presents individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a real surprise once events finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and various family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy prior to making an abrupt shift into shocking territory. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough time to immerse in the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
The film additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a recent batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a lethal elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the effect this affliction has on humans proves absolutely disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and they're practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some examples of dubious choices (like any any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object is available instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a pleasantly authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for everything! trope often seen in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This makes the moments when these characters do show gratitude for each other feel far more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight about family or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering frights. Yet these are successful frights, and since the film gives each character enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable
