Generally speaking, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels mostly depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. But, Netflix's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Growth
Among this movie's greatest assets is its excellent pacing. It begins using a memorable opening sequence where a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted by a van crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like individual stumbles out proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household before the tragedy struck.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary personalities before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and he loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so invested in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly overlooked I was watching a scary movie—which might seem like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of its runtime depicting us who each relative represents, and how they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits allowed the audience to connect to the personalities sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre that often introduces characters only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a real shock when things finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama with slightly dark humor prior to making a sudden shift into "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting before it gets upended.
Unique Zombification Source
This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a new batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although we do learn something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the movie had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited background, the impact this condition has on humans proves utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear quite realistic, and are practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
More impressive compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of questionable decision-making (as in typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object is available instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning into zombies, which was a welcome authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for everything! trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This causes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another feel far more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message about family or society, either. Rather, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are successful frights, and because the movie gives each character enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining
