For the most part, I'm over apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial 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. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Character Growth
One of the film's strongest strengths is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence in which a calm family party gets suddenly disrupted by a vehicle plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the disaster struck.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main personalities before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. This has predictably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family head is her dad, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and he seems to care about just two aspects: his work and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so invested with this household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film to showing viewers the identity of every relative represents, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on conflicting traits enabled me to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, thus it's a real shock when things finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before making a sudden shift into "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient time to immerse in its world prior to everything gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
The film also offers a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this infectious condition stems from a new batch of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the film devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this affliction produces on humans proves absolutely disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and they're almost certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive compared to the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of dubious choices (like any typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available instead of freezing like prey in headlights while danger approaches.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict when people start turning into zombies, which was a pleasantly realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for everything! cliché frequently used in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters express appreciation toward one another seem much more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're successful frights, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and entertaining
