For the most part, I'm over apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels mostly exhausted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. But, Netflix's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Development
Among this movie's greatest assets is its superb pacing. It kicks off with a memorable opening sequence where a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see this household before the disaster occurred.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main personalities prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a married mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on her. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two things: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot this was a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film to showing viewers who each family member represents, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled me to relate with the characters enough to care about their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre that often presents characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine surprise when things finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a K-Drama with slightly dark humor before taking a sudden shift toward shocking ground. These early scenes aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world before everything gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Source
This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a new sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the movie had spent a little more time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion that appears to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this condition has on humans is absolutely disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and are almost guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
More impressive than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see a few examples of questionable choices (like any any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. 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 standing still like prey in headlights as death approaches.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people start turning into zombies, this proved a pleasantly 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 apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another seem far more genuine.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or society, either. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're successful frights, and since the movie gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and entertaining
