Typically, I'm over apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels mostly exhausted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Development
Among the film's greatest strengths is its excellent pacing. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence in which a calm family party gets suddenly disrupted by a vehicle crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household before the disaster occurred.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly allows viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters before the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a married mother with a former best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. Naturally, this has predictably led to a rift among the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet socially awkward, and who loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves extremely strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film depicting viewers the identity of every family member is, and how they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits allowed the audience to connect with the characters enough to care about their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style that often presents individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a real shock once events eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid humor prior to making a sudden turn into "holy shit" territory. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough time to immerse in the setting prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Origin
This movie additionally presents a quite interesting explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the movie had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly elixir that appears to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this condition has on people is utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and they're almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see a few examples of questionable decision-making (as in any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her family are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like prey in headlights as death nears.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a nearby location. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building for years. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This causes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another feel much more genuine.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message about family or society, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're effective scares, and since the film gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable
