Generally speaking, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for months. But, Netflix's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations and proved remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Development
One of the film's greatest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It begins using a striking opening sequence in which a calm family party is violently disrupted when a vehicle crashes into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family prior to the disaster occurred.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient time to get to know the primary characters prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama that I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime depicting viewers the identity of every relative represents, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing traits allowed me to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment in a genre which frequently presents individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a real shock once events finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before taking a sudden shift into "holy shit" territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient time to immerse in the setting before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
This movie also offers a quite interesting reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While some background is provided something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a lethal elixir which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the effect this affliction has on humans is utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and they're almost certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
More impressive than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see a few examples of dubious choices (like any typical undead film), but generally, Nes and her family are inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object is available instead of freezing like prey caught in lights as death approaches.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they agree over the phone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters do show gratitude for each other feel much more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're effective frights, and because the movie gives each character enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable
