Generally speaking, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category seems mostly exhausted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Character Development
One of the film's strongest assets lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence where a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted when a van crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see this household prior to the disaster occurred.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough opportunity to get to know its main characters prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family head consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two aspects: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves extremely tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so invested in the family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts that I almost forgot this was a scary movie—which might seem like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film depicting us the identity of every relative is, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled me to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often introduces individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a real shock once events eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before making a sudden shift into "holy shit" territory. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to settle into the setting before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Origin
This movie also offers a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a recent batch of Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited context, the effect this condition produces on humans is absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and they're practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of questionable decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object they find rather than freezing like prey in headlights as death approaches.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people begin transforming to the undead, this proved a welcome realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude for each other seem much more genuine.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound message regarding relatives or society, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're successful scares, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable
