Generally speaking, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre seems largely depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. But, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations and proved remarkably entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Character Development
Among this movie's greatest strengths is its superb pacing. It begins with a memorable initial scene where a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted when a vehicle crashes into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is then followed by a look back, giving viewers to see the family before the disaster struck.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience enough opportunity to get to know its main characters before the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and who loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. The family patriarch is her dad, the owner of a well-known natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves extremely strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues along with their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked this was a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a significant portion of its runtime to showing viewers the identity of every relative represents, and how they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat for this style that often introduces characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine shock when things eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama with slightly dark humor before making an abrupt turn toward shocking ground. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to settle into its world prior to it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Source
This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. While we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the movie had spent additional time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this condition has on humans proves utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and they're practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
Even better than the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some instances of dubious choices (like any typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with whatever heavy object they find instead of standing still like a deer in headlights while danger nears.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for everything! cliché often seen in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been building for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation for each other seem much more sincere.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight about family or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're effective scares, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is an engaging and enjoyable
