For the most part, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre seems largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. But, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Growth
Among the film's strongest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off with a memorable initial scene in which a calm family party is violently disrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household before the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly allows the audience enough time to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. 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, seems to have recently cheated on Nes. This household head is Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he appears to care about only two aspects: his business and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves incredibly tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so engrossed with this household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked this was a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of its runtime to showing us the identity of every family member represents, and how they add to the general turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed me to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently presents individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine surprise once events finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid humor prior to taking a sudden shift toward shocking territory. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to settle into the setting prior to everything gets upended.
Original Infection Origin
This movie additionally presents a quite intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the movie devoted additional time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited context, the impact this affliction has on humans proves absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
More impressive compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of dubious choices (like any any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like prey caught in lights while danger nears.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. 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 familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters do show appreciation toward one another seem much more genuine.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are successful frights, and since the film gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and entertaining
