Generally speaking, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems mostly exhausted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Character Development
Among the film's greatest assets is its superb pacing. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence where a calm family gathering is violently interrupted when a van plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This intense moment is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to see the family prior to the tragedy occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly gives the audience sufficient time to get to know its main characters before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and he loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. The family patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I became so invested with this household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime depicting us the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This focus on clashing personalities enabled me to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently presents characters just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a real surprise once events finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and various family interactions actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy prior to making an abrupt shift into shocking ground. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough time to immerse in the setting before it gets upended.
Unique Infection Origin
The film additionally presents a quite interesting explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the cause for this infectious condition stems from a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although some background is provided a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent additional time on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of background, the effect this affliction produces on humans is absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and are almost guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better compared to the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of dubious decision-making (like any typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and sharp. They also don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning into zombies, which was a welcome realistic 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 movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a nearby location. But when Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals express gratitude toward one another feel far more sincere.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message about family or society, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are successful frights, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable
