For the most part, I'm over apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category seems largely depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. But, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Character Development
Among the film's greatest strengths lies in the superb rhythm. It begins using a memorable opening sequence where a calm family gathering is violently interrupted by a vehicle plows into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family prior to the disaster occurred.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough time to get to know the primary characters before the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a married mother with a former best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. This has predictably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he seems to care about only two aspects: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so invested in the family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked this was a horror film—which might sound like a drawback, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film depicting us the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits allowed the audience to relate to the personalities sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a real shock when things eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy prior to taking an abrupt turn into shocking ground. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough time to immerse in its world before everything gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Source
This movie also offers a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although we do learn something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the impact this affliction produces on humans proves absolutely disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and they're practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some instances of dubious choices (as in any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with whatever heavy object they find instead of freezing like a deer in headlights as death approaches.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they decide over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This makes the moments when these characters do show appreciation toward one another feel much more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message about family or society, either. Instead, it's mostly delivering scares. But they're effective scares, and because the film allows every personality sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining
