For the most part, I'm over apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems largely exhausted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. But, Netflix's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Growth
One of this movie's strongest strengths is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like stranger emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family prior to the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough time to become acquainted with its main personalities before the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. This has predictably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. This household patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a popular natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two aspects: his business and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I nearly forgot I was watching a scary movie—which might seem like a negative, but in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film depicting viewers who each relative represents, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This focus on clashing personalities enabled the audience to connect to the personalities enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre that often introduces characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine surprise when things finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama featuring slightly dark humor before making a sudden shift toward "holy shit" ground. These early moments don't focus as much on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still provides enough time to settle into its world prior to it gets upended.
Unique Zombification Origin
The film also offers a quite intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a recent batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, 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 producing a deadly potion which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited background, the effect this condition produces on people proves absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and are almost guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some instances of dubious choices (like any any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family are inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like prey in headlights as death approaches.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a pleasantly authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for everything! trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still holding onto resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a close spot. But when Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals express gratitude for each other seem far more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are successful scares, and since the film gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is an engaging and entertaining
