For the most part, I'm over apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Growth
One of the film's strongest assets is its excellent pacing. It kicks off with a memorable initial scene in which a calm family party gets suddenly disrupted when a van crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like stranger emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to see this household prior to the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. This has understandably led to a falling out between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he seems to care about only two things: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I became so engrossed in the household's issues and their personal conflicts that I almost forgot this was a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, but in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film depicting us who each family member is, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed me to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment for this style which frequently introduces individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to consume, thus it's a real surprise once events finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and various family interactions actually evoke the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor before making a sudden shift into "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives sufficient time to immerse in the setting before everything gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Source
The film also offers a quite interesting explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition originates in a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although we do learn something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more time explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a lethal elixir which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this condition produces on people proves utterly disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear quite realistic, and they're practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
Even better compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of dubious decision-making (as in any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with whatever heavy object is available instead of freezing like prey caught in lights while danger nears.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord when people start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for everything! cliché frequently used in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive 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 avoids attempting to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances when these characters do show appreciation toward one another seem much more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message about family or society, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are successful frights, and because the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable
