Typically, I'm over apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre seems mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Personal Development
One of this movie's strongest assets is its superb pacing. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted by a van plows right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe the family prior to the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough time to get to know the primary personalities prior to the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a married mother with a former best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and he loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on Nes. This household patriarch is her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two aspects: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot this was a horror film—which might sound like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film depicting viewers the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often presents individuals just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a real shock when things eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama featuring slightly dark comedy prior to making a sudden shift toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient time to settle into its world prior to everything gets upended.
Original Zombification Source
This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease stems from a recent batch of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the film had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir that appears to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this affliction has on humans is utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and are practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of questionable decision-making (as in any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. They also don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find rather than standing still like prey in headlights while danger nears.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning into zombies, which was a welcome realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters express gratitude toward one another seem far more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep insight about family or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering scares. But they're successful frights, and because the film gives each character enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining
