Generally speaking, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems mostly exhausted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. But, Netflix's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Growth
One of this movie's strongest strengths is its excellent pacing. It kicks off with a memorable opening sequence where a calm family gathering gets suddenly disrupted by a van crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to see this household prior to the tragedy occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows the audience sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary characters before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably caused a rift between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot this was a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film depicting us the identity of every relative is, and how they add to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon feat for this style that often presents individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a real surprise once events eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial 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 with slightly dark humor before taking a sudden shift toward shocking territory. These introductory scenes don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient time to immerse in its world before it gets upended.
Unique Zombification Origin
The film additionally presents a quite interesting explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited context, the impact this affliction produces on humans is absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very realistic, and are practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
Even better than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of questionable choices (like any typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find instead of freezing like prey in headlights while danger approaches.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord when people start turning to the undead, which was a welcome realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for everything! cliché often seen in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a close location. But when Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This causes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation for each other feel much more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're effective scares, and because the movie gives each character enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable
