Generally speaking, I'm over apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre feels largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Character Development
One of the film's strongest strengths is its superb rhythm. It kicks off with a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family party is violently interrupted by a van crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like individual emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is then followed by a look back, giving viewers to see this household prior to the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers enough time to get to know the primary characters before the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably led to a falling out among the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on her. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two aspects: his work and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves extremely tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so invested in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama that I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could sound like a drawback, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of its runtime to showing us the identity of every family member is, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled me to relate to the personalities enough to care about their fate—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often presents individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a real surprise once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before taking an abrupt shift into "holy shit" ground. These early scenes aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting before everything gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
The film additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the limited context, the impact this affliction produces on humans is utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and are almost certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some examples of questionable decision-making (as in any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a welcome realistic deviation from that "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 end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another seem much more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
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 presenting any deep message about family or community, either. Rather, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are successful frights, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining
