Generally speaking, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems mostly exhausted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. But, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Character Development
Among this movie's greatest strengths lies in the superb rhythm. It begins using a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family party is violently interrupted by a van plows right into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking stranger emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This intense moment is then followed by a look back, giving viewers to observe the family before the tragedy struck.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know its main characters prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably caused a rift between the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and he enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. The family head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two things: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so invested in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of its runtime to showing us who each relative represents, and how they add to the general turmoil. This focus on conflicting traits enabled me to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre which frequently presents individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine shock when things finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark comedy before making an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting prior to everything gets upended.
Unique Zombification Source
The film also offers a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. While we do learn a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a lethal potion that appears to contain an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this affliction has on people proves absolutely disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and they're practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of questionable decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available instead of standing still like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a welcome realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby location. But when Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been building for years. Nes is not perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This causes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation for each other feel much more genuine.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are effective scares, and because the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable
