For the most part, I'm over apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels largely depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated and proved quite entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Development
One of the film's greatest assets lies in the superb pacing. It begins with a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted when a van crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe the family prior to the disaster struck.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a married mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household head consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about only two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so invested in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a drawback, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a significant portion of its runtime depicting viewers who each relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled me to relate to the personalities enough to care about their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently presents characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a real surprise when things eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy prior to making a sudden turn toward "holy shit" ground. These early scenes aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough time to settle into its world before everything gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Origin
The film additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause for this infectious condition originates in a new batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the film devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited background, the effect this condition has on humans proves absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear quite convincing, and they're almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
More impressive compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of questionable decision-making (as in typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object they find rather than standing still like prey in headlights as death nears.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for everything! trope frequently used in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters express gratitude for each other seem much more sincere.
Predictable 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 isn't really presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are successful scares, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and entertaining
