For the most part, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Growth
One of the film's greatest strengths is its excellent rhythm. It begins with a memorable initial scene in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle plows right into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to see this household prior to the tragedy occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient time to get to know the primary characters prior to the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out among the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and who loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on her. The family head consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves extremely strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so invested in the family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film to showing us the identity of every family member represents, and how they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits allowed the audience to relate with the characters enough to care about their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine surprise once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to taking an abrupt turn into "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient time to immerse in its world prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Source
The film additionally presents a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While we do learn something regarding its origins, I wish the movie had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited background, the effect this affliction has on humans is utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
More impressive than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of dubious choices (like any any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. They also don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than freezing like prey in headlights while danger approaches.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree over the phone to meet up at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters do show appreciation for each other feel much more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep message about family or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are successful scares, and because the movie gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable
