For the most part, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels mostly exhausted at this point. 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, managed to subvert what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Growth
One of this movie's greatest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence where a peaceful family party is violently interrupted by a vehicle crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household before the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows viewers enough time to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. This has predictably caused a falling out between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household head is her dad, who runs a popular natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two things: his business and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked this was a horror film—which might sound like a drawback, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film depicting viewers who each relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits allowed the audience to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat for this style that often presents individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a real shock when things finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before taking a sudden turn into shocking ground. These early moments aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to immerse in its world prior to it gets upended.
Unique Zombification Source
The film additionally presents a quite interesting explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the cause for this contagious disease originates in a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this condition produces on humans is absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and are almost certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
More impressive compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of questionable choices (like any any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick an undead in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close location. But when Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been building for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments when these characters do show appreciation toward one another feel much more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound message regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are successful frights, and since the film allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable
