Generally speaking, I'm over apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels largely exhausted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Character Growth
Among the film's greatest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It begins with a striking initial scene in which a calm family party gets suddenly disrupted when a vehicle crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see the family before the disaster struck.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main personalities prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably led to a falling out between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. This household patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—which might seem like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film to showing viewers who each relative is, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits allowed the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently introduces characters just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a real surprise once events finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to taking a sudden shift into shocking ground. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough time to settle into the setting prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Source
This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the film had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this condition has on people is absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear quite convincing, and they're almost certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some instances of questionable decision-making (like any typical undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with whatever blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like prey in headlights while danger nears.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby location. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters express gratitude toward one another seem far more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message about family or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're effective frights, and because the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and entertaining
