Typically, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels largely depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Growth
One of this movie's strongest strengths is its excellent pacing. It begins with a memorable initial scene where a peaceful family party is violently interrupted by a van crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense scene is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household before the tragedy struck.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience enough time to become acquainted with its main personalities before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a falling out between the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he enjoys playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so invested in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—which might sound like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film depicting us the identity of every relative is, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed the audience to relate to the personalities enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style that often introduces individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to consume, thus it's a genuine surprise when things eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and various household exchanges in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy before taking an abrupt turn into shocking ground. These early moments aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world before it gets upended.
Unique Infection Source
The film additionally presents a fairly interesting reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the film had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly elixir that appears to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the effect this affliction produces on humans is absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and they're almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of questionable choices (as in typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick an undead in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever heavy object they find instead of standing still like a deer in headlights while danger nears.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop 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 pardon you for everything! cliché frequently used in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals express appreciation for each other feel much more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep insight about family or community, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are successful scares, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and entertaining