For the most part, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre feels mostly depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Character Development
One of this movie's strongest assets is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence in which a calm family party is violently disrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family prior to the tragedy occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with its main characters before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on Nes. This household head is her dad, who runs a well-known natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so invested with this household's issues and their personal conflicts that I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of its runtime depicting us who each relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits allowed me to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often introduces individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a real shock once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and various family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to making a sudden turn into shocking territory. These introductory moments don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to settle into its world before it gets upended.
Unique Infection Origin
The film also offers a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the movie devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion that appears to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the limited background, the effect this affliction has on people proves utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and are almost guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
More impressive compared to the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of dubious decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like a deer in headlights as death approaches.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation for each other feel far more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound message about family or society, either. Rather, it's mostly serving up scares. But they're effective scares, and since the movie gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable
