Typically, I'm over apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems largely depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for months. But, Netflix's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations and proved quite entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Development
Among the film's strongest assets is its excellent pacing. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene where a peaceful family party is violently disrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This intense scene is immediately followed by a look back, allowing us to observe the family prior to the disaster occurred.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience sufficient time to get to know its main personalities before the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. This has understandably led to a falling out between the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on Nes. The family patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he appears to care about only two things: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so engrossed with this household's issues and their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of its runtime depicting viewers who each family member represents, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their fate—a rare feat for this style which frequently introduces characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to devour, thus it's a real shock when things eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and various family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to making an abrupt turn into shocking territory. These early scenes aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to settle into the setting prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Origin
The film additionally presents a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent additional time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of context, the impact this affliction produces on humans is absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and are practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
Even better compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see some examples of questionable decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family are inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a nearby location. But when Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters express gratitude for each other feel far more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep message regarding relatives or community, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're successful frights, and since the movie gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable
