Typically, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Development
One of the film's strongest strengths is its excellent pacing. It begins using a striking opening sequence in which a calm family gathering is violently interrupted when a vehicle plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking stranger emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the tragedy struck.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient time to get to know the primary personalities before the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two things: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts that I nearly forgot I was watching a scary movie—which might seem like a drawback, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film depicting viewers the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat for this style which frequently introduces individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to consume, thus it's a real surprise when things finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and various family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to making an abrupt shift toward "holy shit" ground. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Origin
This movie additionally presents a quite intriguing reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause for this contagious disease originates in a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the film had spent a little more time on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a lethal potion that appears to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the impact this affliction has on humans is absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear very convincing, and are practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
More impressive than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Of course, we see some examples of dubious decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available instead of standing still like a deer in headlights while danger nears.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord when people start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for everything! trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still holding onto resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a nearby location. But when Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes is not perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another seem much more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound message regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. Yet these are effective frights, and because the film gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable
