Generally speaking, 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 feels largely depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. But, the platform's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Growth
One of this movie's strongest strengths is its superb pacing. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence where a calm family gathering gets suddenly disrupted by a van crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see this household before the disaster occurred.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient time to get to know its main characters before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a married mother with a former best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. This has predictably led to a rift among the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—which might seem like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film depicting viewers who each relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often presents individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine surprise when things eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama with slightly dark comedy before taking an abrupt shift toward shocking territory. These introductory scenes don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough time to immerse in the setting before everything gets upended.
Unique Zombification Origin
This movie also offers a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a lethal potion that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the impact this condition produces on humans proves absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and are practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of dubious decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like prey caught in lights while danger nears.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been building over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another feel far more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound message about family or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are effective scares, and because the film gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves a captivating and entertaining
