Generally speaking, I'm over apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre feels largely depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. But, Netflix's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated and proved remarkably entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Personal Growth
Among this movie's strongest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins with a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family party is violently disrupted when a vehicle plows right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to observe the family prior to the disaster struck.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. This household head consists of her dad, who runs a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two aspects: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked this was a horror film—which might sound like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of its runtime to showing viewers who each relative represents, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment in a genre which frequently presents characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise when things eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and various family interactions actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama with slightly dark humor prior to taking an abrupt turn into "holy shit" territory. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to immerse in the setting before it gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Origin
The film additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although we do learn something regarding its origins, I wish the film had spent a little more time explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of context, the impact this condition has on people is absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear quite realistic, and are practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
More impressive than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of dubious decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with whatever heavy object is available rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights as death nears.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a welcome authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances when these characters express gratitude toward one another seem far more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message about family or society, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. But they're effective scares, and because the movie gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining
