Generally speaking, I'm over apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels largely depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. But, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations and proved remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Development
Among this movie's strongest assets is its excellent pacing. It kicks off using a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted when a vehicle crashes into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe the family before the tragedy struck.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary characters prior to the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a married mother with a former best friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has understandably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch is her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two things: his business and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly tense.
Invested in the Drama
I became so invested with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film to showing us the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled me to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment for this style which frequently introduces characters just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to consume, thus it's a real surprise when things finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before taking an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" ground. These early moments aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world prior to it gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Source
This movie also offers a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of context, the impact this condition produces on people proves utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and are practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some examples of dubious decision-making (like any typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for everything! trope frequently used in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to promote the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This causes those instances when these characters do show gratitude toward one another seem far more genuine.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message regarding relatives or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are effective scares, and since the film allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is an engaging and entertaining
