For the most part, I'm over apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre seems mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. But, the platform's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Character Development
One of the film's strongest strengths is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence where a calm family party is violently interrupted by a van plows into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking stranger emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense moment is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the tragedy struck.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough time to get to know its main characters prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. This has understandably led to a rift among the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I almost forgot this was a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of its runtime depicting us the identity of every relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing traits enabled the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre which frequently presents individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise once events eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and various family interactions in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before making an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to immerse in the setting before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Source
This movie additionally presents a quite interesting explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. While we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a lethal potion which seems to contain a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the effect this condition produces on people is utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and are practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive compared to the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of questionable choices (like any any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like a deer in headlights as death approaches.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict when people begin transforming to the undead, this proved a welcome realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been building for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This causes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude for each other seem much more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are successful frights, and because the movie allows every personality sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is an engaging and entertaining
