Typically, 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 enjoyable, the genre seems mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. But, Netflix's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Growth
One of this movie's strongest strengths is its superb rhythm. It begins using a striking opening sequence in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly disrupted by a van crashes into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see this household before the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to numerous 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 wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. This has understandably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. The family head consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of its runtime to showing us the identity of every relative represents, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled the audience to connect with the characters enough to care about their outcome—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often introduces characters just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine surprise when things finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama with slightly dark comedy before making an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting before it gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Source
This movie also offers a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While we do learn something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the impact this condition produces on people proves utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite convincing, and are practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
Even better than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some examples of dubious choices (as in any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and sharp. They also don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find instead of standing still like a deer in headlights while danger nears.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord when people start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree over the phone to meet up at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been building for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals express appreciation toward one another seem much more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message regarding relatives or society, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are successful scares, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining
