Generally speaking, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems largely depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Development
One of the film's strongest assets is its excellent pacing. It begins using a striking initial scene where a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted by a vehicle plows right into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like stranger emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is then succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough opportunity to get to know the primary personalities prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has understandably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured yet socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on her. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves extremely tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so engrossed with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot this was a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film to showing us who each relative is, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment for this style which frequently introduces individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, so it's a real surprise once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor prior to making a sudden shift into "holy shit" territory. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to settle into the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Origin
This movie also offers a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the movie had spent a little more time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a lethal potion that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this condition has on people proves absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear quite convincing, and they're practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see a few instances of questionable decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning into zombies, which was a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals express gratitude toward one another seem far more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep message about family or community, either. Instead, it's mostly delivering frights. Yet these are effective scares, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result is an engaging and entertaining
