For the most part, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems largely exhausted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Growth
One of this movie's strongest assets is its superb pacing. It begins using a memorable initial scene where a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted by a van plows right into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like individual stumbles out proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the disaster struck.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary personalities before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and he loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on Nes. The family head is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two aspects: his business and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly strained.
Invested in the Drama
I became so invested with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama that I nearly overlooked I was watching a scary movie—which might seem like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of its runtime depicting viewers who each relative represents, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled the audience to connect to the personalities sufficiently to care about their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style which frequently presents individuals just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine shock once events eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a Korean drama with somewhat morbid humor before making an abrupt turn into "holy shit" territory. These early moments aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient time to settle into the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Origin
The film also offers a quite intriguing reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the film devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited context, the effect this condition produces on humans proves absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and are practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of questionable decision-making (as in typical undead film), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find instead of standing still like a deer in headlights as death nears.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, this proved 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 often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building for years. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments when these characters do show appreciation for each other seem much more sincere.
Predictable Ending
In spite of 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 insight about family or society, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're successful scares, and because the movie gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is an engaging and entertaining
