Generally speaking, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels mostly depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Development
One of this movie's greatest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It begins with a memorable opening sequence where a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a van crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like stranger emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family before the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably caused a falling out among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. The family head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two aspects: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot I was watching a scary movie—which might seem like a drawback, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film depicting us the identity of every family member is, and how they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed me to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often presents individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a genuine shock once events eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama with slightly dark humor prior to making a sudden turn toward shocking ground. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives sufficient time to settle into the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Origin
The film additionally presents a quite interesting explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the cause for this contagious disease originates in a recent sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While we do learn something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the movie devoted additional time on how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this condition produces on humans is utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and are practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some instances of dubious choices (as in typical undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with whatever heavy object they find instead of standing still like a deer in headlights as death approaches.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict when people start turning into zombies, which was a welcome authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for everything! trope often seen in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they decide over the phone to regroup at a nearby location. But when Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters express appreciation toward one another feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are effective frights, and because the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and entertaining
