Typically, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre feels largely depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations turning out remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Character Growth
One of the film's strongest strengths lies in the superb rhythm. It kicks off using a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family party is violently disrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like individual emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to see the family before the tragedy struck.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir truly gives the audience enough opportunity to get to know its main personalities prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has understandably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on her. This household patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about only two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so engrossed in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film to showing viewers who each family member is, and how they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits allowed the audience to relate with the characters enough to care about their outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently presents individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise once events eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and various household exchanges actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor before taking an abrupt shift toward "holy shit" territory. These introductory scenes don't focus too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to immerse in its world before everything gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Source
The film also offers a fairly interesting reason for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion that appears to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited context, the impact this condition has on humans is utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very convincing, and are practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of questionable decision-making (like any typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available instead of freezing like a deer in headlights as death approaches.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people begin transforming to the undead, this proved a welcome realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals express appreciation for each other seem far more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound message about family or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up scares. Yet these are successful scares, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and entertaining
