Typically, I'm over apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre feels largely depleted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations and proved quite entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Character Growth
One of the film's strongest assets is its superb pacing. It kicks off with a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly disrupted by a vehicle plows right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see this household prior to the tragedy occurred.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough time to become acquainted with the primary personalities before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has predictably caused a rift between the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a popular natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two aspects: his business and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film depicting us who each family member represents, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities enabled the audience to connect to the personalities sufficiently to care about their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often presents characters only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a real surprise once events eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy before making a sudden turn toward "holy shit" territory. These early moments don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to immerse in its world before it gets upended.
Original Infection Origin
The film also offers a fairly interesting reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. While we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the film devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a lethal elixir that appears to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the impact this condition has on people proves utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear quite convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive compared to the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of dubious choices (like any any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude for each other seem much more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight about family or community, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're effective frights, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is an engaging and enjoyable
