Generally speaking, I'm over apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre feels largely depleted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for months. But, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Growth
One of this movie's strongest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It begins using a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family party is violently interrupted when a van plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the tragedy struck.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary personalities before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. This household head is Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two things: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves incredibly tense.
Invested in the Drama
I became so invested with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film depicting us the identity of every relative represents, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities allowed me to relate to the personalities enough to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style which frequently introduces characters just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine shock once events finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy before taking an abrupt turn into "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in the setting before everything gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
This movie also offers a quite interesting reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a recent batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the movie devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this affliction produces on humans proves absolutely disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
Even better compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see some examples of questionable decision-making (like any typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict when people start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters express appreciation toward one another seem much more sincere.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. But they're effective scares, and since the movie gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable
