Generally speaking, I'm over apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems largely depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for some time. But, the platform's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Growth
One of this movie's greatest strengths lies in the superb rhythm. It begins using a memorable initial scene where a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to see this household prior to the disaster occurred.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with its main characters before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household head is Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about just two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so invested in the household's issues and their personal conflicts that I nearly forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film depicting us who each relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to care about their fate—a rare feat in a genre that often introduces individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to consume, thus it's a genuine surprise once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and various family interactions actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to making a sudden shift toward shocking territory. These early scenes aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough time to immerse in its world before everything gets upended.
Unique Zombification Source
This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the effect this condition produces on humans is absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and are practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see a few examples of dubious decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object they find instead of standing still like prey in headlights as death nears.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for everything! cliché frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a nearby location. But when Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters express appreciation for each other seem far more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or society, either. Rather, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are effective frights, and since the movie gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is an engaging and entertaining
