Typically, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels largely depleted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Development
One of the film's greatest assets is its superb pacing. It begins with a striking initial scene where a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted when a van plows right into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like individual emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to observe the family before the tragedy struck.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience enough time to get to know the primary characters before the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he appears to care about only two aspects: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so invested with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film to showing viewers who each relative is, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits allowed the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style that often introduces characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, thus it's a genuine shock when things eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama with slightly dark comedy prior to taking an abrupt turn into shocking ground. These early scenes don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough time to immerse in the setting before it gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Origin
This movie also offers a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a recent batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the film devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a lethal elixir that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this condition has on humans is absolutely disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and are almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast 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 show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever heavy object they find instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people begin transforming to the undead, this proved a welcome realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation for each other seem far more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound insight about family or community, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are effective scares, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and entertaining
