Typically, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Character Development
One of this movie's greatest assets is its superb rhythm. It kicks off with a memorable initial scene where a peaceful family party is violently disrupted when a van plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to see this household before the disaster occurred.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient opportunity to get to know its main characters prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has predictably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and who loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly tense.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film to showing us the identity of every family member represents, and how they add to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled me to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat in a genre which frequently presents characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a real surprise once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama with slightly dark comedy before taking an abrupt shift into "holy shit" ground. These early moments don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to settle into the setting before everything gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
The film additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the movie had spent a little more time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited background, the effect this affliction produces on people proves absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite convincing, and they're practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
More impressive than the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of dubious choices (as in typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like prey caught in lights as death nears.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people start turning into zombies, which was a welcome realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another seem far more genuine.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound message regarding relatives or community, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're successful scares, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining
