For the most part, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels largely depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated and proved quite entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Development
One of the film's greatest assets lies in the superb pacing. It begins with a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family prior to the disaster occurred.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with its main characters before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a married mother with a former best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has predictably caused a rift among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family patriarch is her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two things: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so invested in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, but in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime depicting us the identity of every relative is, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled me to relate to the personalities enough to care about their fate—a rare feat for this style that often introduces individuals just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a real shock when things eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and various household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark humor before making an abrupt turn into "holy shit" territory. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world before it gets upended.
Unique Infection Source
The film also offers a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a recent sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While we do learn something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the movie devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this condition has on people proves absolutely disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and are practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
Even better compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of dubious decision-making (like any typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever heavy object they find instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord when people begin transforming to the undead, which was a welcome authentic 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 frequently used in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they agree over the phone to meet up at a nearby spot. But when Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This causes the moments where these individuals express gratitude for each other seem far more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep message about family or society, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're effective scares, and since the movie allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable
