Generally speaking, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre feels mostly exhausted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Development
Among the film's greatest assets lies in the superb rhythm. It kicks off with a memorable opening sequence where a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted when a van plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like stranger stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense scene is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family before the disaster occurred.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers enough opportunity to get to know the primary characters prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out between the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and who loves playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family patriarch is her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—which might seem like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film depicting viewers who each relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often introduces individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a real surprise once events finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama with slightly dark humor before taking a sudden shift into "holy shit" territory. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to settle into its world prior to it gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
This movie also offers a quite intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the movie devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the impact this condition produces on humans proves utterly disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear very convincing, and are practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
Even better compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see some examples of dubious choices (like any typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive and sharp. They also don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming to the undead, this proved a welcome realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a nearby location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This causes the moments when these characters express gratitude toward one another feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound insight about family or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. But they're effective frights, and since the film gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining
