Typically, I'm over apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre feels largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Character Development
One of the film's greatest strengths lies in the superb rhythm. It begins with a striking opening sequence where a calm family gathering is violently interrupted by a vehicle crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like individual emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This intense scene is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to see the family prior to the disaster occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough time to get to know the primary characters before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose former close friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. This household patriarch is her dad, the owner of a well-known natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so invested in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could sound like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film to showing us who each relative represents, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits allowed the audience to connect to the personalities enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to making an abrupt turn into "holy shit" ground. These early scenes don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough time to immerse in its world before everything gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Origin
The film also offers a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although we do learn something regarding its origins, I wish the movie had spent a little more time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly potion that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited background, the impact this affliction has on people proves utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and are practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some examples of dubious decision-making (as in typical undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever heavy object they find instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a pleasantly authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for everything! cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been building for years. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation for each other feel much more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message about family or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're successful scares, and because the movie allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable
