For the most part, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre feels largely depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved quite entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Growth
One of this movie's strongest assets is its excellent pacing. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene where a calm family party gets suddenly disrupted by a van plows right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to observe the family prior to the tragedy struck.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough opportunity to get to know its main personalities before the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably caused a falling out among the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on Nes. The family patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a popular natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about only two aspects: his work and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves incredibly tense.
Invested in the Drama
I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a drawback, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film depicting viewers the identity of every relative is, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to relate to the personalities enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat for this style that often presents individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, thus it's a genuine shock when things eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama with slightly dark humor before making an abrupt shift toward shocking ground. These introductory moments don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to immerse in its world before it gets upended.
Unique Infection Source
This movie also offers a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the film devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a lethal potion that appears to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this condition produces on humans is utterly disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear quite realistic, and they're almost guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
More impressive compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some examples of dubious choices (like any any good zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like prey in headlights while danger approaches.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic subversion 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 films. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances when these characters do show appreciation for each other seem far more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound message regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering scares. But they're successful frights, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable
