Typically, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category seems largely depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations and proved quite entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Character Development
Among this movie's greatest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins using a striking initial scene where a calm family party is violently interrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household prior to the tragedy struck.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir truly gives the audience sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with its main characters before the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. Naturally, this has predictably led to a rift among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to her. The family head consists of her dad, the owner of a popular natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about only two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a drawback, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film depicting viewers who each family member represents, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed me to connect to the personalities enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently presents individuals just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, thus it's a real shock once events finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and various family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama with slightly dark humor before making a sudden shift into shocking territory. These introductory moments don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to settle into the setting before everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Origin
This movie additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this contagious disease originates in a recent batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this affliction produces on humans proves absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and they're practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
Even better compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some examples of questionable choices (as in typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like a deer in headlights as death nears.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances when these characters do show appreciation for each other feel far more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound message regarding relatives or society, either. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're successful scares, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable
