For the most part, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category seems mostly depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated and proved quite entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Growth
Among the film's greatest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins with a memorable initial scene where a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted by a van 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 succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see the family before the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with its main characters before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. This has understandably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household head consists of her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about just two aspects: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked this was a horror film—which might seem like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film depicting us the identity of every relative represents, and how they add to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities allowed the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their fate—a rare accomplishment for this style which frequently introduces characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a real surprise when things eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and various household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking a sudden shift into "holy shit" territory. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough time to settle into its world before everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Origin
The film also offers a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a recent batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the impact this condition produces on humans is absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear quite convincing, and they're practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
More impressive than the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of questionable choices (as in any good zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her family are inventive and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like a deer in headlights as death nears.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict when people begin transforming to the undead, which was a pleasantly authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another seem much more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep insight about family or community, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are successful scares, and because the movie gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining
