Typically, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre feels mostly exhausted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Growth
One of this movie's strongest assets is its superb rhythm. It begins with a striking opening sequence where 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 and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to see this household prior to the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough opportunity to get to know its main characters before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably led to a rift between the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. This household head is her dad, who runs a well-known natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves extremely tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a significant portion of its runtime to showing viewers the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits allowed the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat in a genre that often introduces characters just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine shock when things finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid humor prior to taking an abrupt turn toward shocking ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to settle into its world before everything gets upended.
Unique Infection Origin
This movie 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 originates in a new sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the film devoted additional time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this condition has on humans is absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and are practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of questionable decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are inventive and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find instead of standing still like prey caught in lights as death nears.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord when people start turning into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for everything! cliché often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to push the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters express appreciation for each other feel far more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message about family or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're effective scares, and because the movie gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable
