Typically, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre seems mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. But, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated and proved remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Growth
One of this movie's greatest strengths is its superb pacing. It kicks off using a striking initial scene where a calm family party is violently interrupted when a van crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family prior to the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough time to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. This has understandably led to a falling out among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on Nes. This household patriarch is her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about just two aspects: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, but in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film depicting us who each relative represents, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often presents characters just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to devour, thus it's a real surprise once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama with somewhat morbid humor prior to making an abrupt shift into shocking ground. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to settle into its world before everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Origin
The film also offers a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition originates in a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this condition produces on people is absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very convincing, and are almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
Even better compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are some instances of dubious decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than freezing like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a pleasantly authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly 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 relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This makes the moments when these characters express gratitude toward one another feel much more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep insight about family or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering frights. Yet these are effective frights, and because the film allows every personality sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable
