Typically, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre feels mostly exhausted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. But, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Personal Growth
One of this movie's greatest assets lies in the superb rhythm. It kicks off with a memorable initial scene in which a calm family gathering is violently disrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family prior to the disaster struck.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough opportunity to get to know the primary characters prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a former best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably led to a falling out among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. The family head is Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so invested with this household's issues along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of its runtime depicting us the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled the audience to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often presents individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise once events finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and various household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to taking an abrupt shift toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to immerse in the setting before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Source
The film additionally presents a quite interesting reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a new batch of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the film devoted additional time on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the effect this condition produces on people is utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and they're practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some instances of dubious decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object they find instead of freezing like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming to the undead, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for everything! trope often seen in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another seem much more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're successful scares, and because the film allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining
