Typically, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains 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.
Excellent Pacing and Character Growth
Among the film's greatest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins using a striking opening sequence in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle plows right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see this household before the tragedy struck.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives the audience sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary characters before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and who loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. This household head is her dad, who runs a well-known natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves extremely tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked this was a scary movie—which might seem like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film to showing viewers who each relative is, and how they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat in a genre that often introduces characters just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a real shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and various family interactions actually evoke the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor before making a sudden turn into shocking ground. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides enough time to immerse in its world before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Source
The film additionally presents a quite interesting explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a new batch of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While we do learn a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir that appears to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this condition produces on people proves absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and they're practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see some instances of dubious choices (as in any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. They also don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object is available rather than freezing like prey caught in lights as death nears.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to push the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another feel much more sincere.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message regarding relatives or society, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're effective frights, and since the movie gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining
