Typically, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Development
One of the film's strongest strengths is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted when a vehicle crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like stranger emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately followed by a look back, allowing us to see this household prior to the tragedy occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough opportunity to get to know the primary personalities prior to the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a married mother whose former best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has predictably caused a falling out among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and he enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. The family head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he appears to care about only two aspects: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves extremely strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so invested in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film to showing us the identity of every relative is, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities enabled the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style which frequently introduces individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine shock once events eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before making a sudden turn into "holy shit" ground. These early moments don't focus as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Source
The film also offers a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the cause for this infectious condition stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the movie devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the impact this affliction produces on people proves absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and they're almost certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see a few examples of dubious decision-making (as in typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find instead of standing still like a deer in headlights while danger nears.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude for each other seem far more genuine.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message about family or society, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're effective scares, and because the film allows every personality sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result is an engaging and enjoyable
