Typically, I'm over apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems mostly depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations and proved remarkably entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Development
Among the film's greatest strengths is its superb rhythm. It kicks off with a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family gathering is violently interrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like stranger stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to see this household before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough time to become acquainted with the primary personalities before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has predictably caused a rift among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and who loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on her. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film depicting us who each relative represents, and how they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre that often introduces individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a real surprise when things eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a Korean drama with somewhat morbid humor before taking an abrupt turn into "holy shit" ground. These early moments don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to settle into its world before everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
The film also offers a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a new batch 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 focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of context, the impact this condition has on people is absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and are almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
Even better compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of dubious choices (as in any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning into zombies, which was 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! trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been building for years. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters do show gratitude toward one another seem much more sincere.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. But they're successful frights, and because the movie gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable
