For the most part, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems largely exhausted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations turning out remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Growth
One of this movie's strongest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence in which a calm family gathering is violently interrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe this household prior to the disaster occurred.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know its main personalities before the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has predictably led to a rift between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on Nes. This household head is Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about just two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely tense.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot this was a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film depicting viewers who each family member represents, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—a rare accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces characters just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine surprise once events finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking a sudden shift into "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes don't focus too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to settle into the setting before it gets upended.
Original Zombification Source
The film also offers a quite intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more time on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the impact this condition produces on humans proves utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and are practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
More impressive than the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see a few examples of dubious decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object is available instead of standing still like prey caught in lights as death nears.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people start turning into zombies, which was a pleasantly realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. But when Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation for each other seem far more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight about family or society, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are successful scares, and because the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining
