Generally speaking, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels largely exhausted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. But, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated and proved quite entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Growth
Among this movie's greatest strengths is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene where a peaceful family party is violently disrupted by a vehicle plows into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This intense moment is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family prior to the disaster struck.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers sufficient time to get to know the primary personalities prior to the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a married mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. This has predictably led to a rift between the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. This household head is Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two aspects: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so invested with this household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime depicting us who each family member is, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled the audience to relate to the personalities enough to care about their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often introduces individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a real shock once events finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid humor prior to making a sudden shift into "holy shit" territory. These early scenes aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient time to settle into the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
This movie also offers a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition originates in a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the movie had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of background, the effect this condition produces on humans proves absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of dubious choices (as in typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict when people start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation from the "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 films. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree over the phone to meet up at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters do show gratitude toward one another feel much more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound insight regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are effective scares, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining