For the most part, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre seems largely depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations and proved remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Character Growth
Among the film's greatest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It begins using a striking opening sequence in which a calm family gathering is violently disrupted when a van plows into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to see the family prior to the tragedy struck.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a former best friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has predictably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. This household head is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about just two aspects: his business and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so invested with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked this was a horror film—which might sound like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film to showing viewers the identity of every family member represents, and how they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits allowed me to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style that often introduces individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a real shock once events eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor before making an abrupt turn toward shocking ground. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides enough time to immerse in the setting before it gets upended.
Unique Infection Origin
This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the cause for this infectious condition stems from a recent batch of Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the film devoted a little more time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this condition produces on people proves absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and they're almost guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
More impressive than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Of course, we see some examples of dubious choices (as in typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a nearby location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters express gratitude for each other feel far more genuine.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message regarding relatives or society, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're effective scares, and since the film allows every personality sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable
