Generally speaking, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre feels largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for months. But, the platform's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Character Growth
Among this movie's greatest strengths is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence where a peaceful family party is violently interrupted when a van crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the disaster occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough time to become acquainted with its main personalities before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a married mother with a former best friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably caused a rift among the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch is her dad, who runs a well-known natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about just two aspects: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves extremely strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—which might seem like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of its runtime depicting viewers the identity of every family member 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 outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre that often presents characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, thus it's a genuine shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to taking a sudden turn toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments don't focus as much on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to immerse in the setting before it gets upended.
Original Zombification Source
This movie additionally presents a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. Although we do learn something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this affliction has on people is utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and they're practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some examples of questionable decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find instead of standing still like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, this proved a pleasantly authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters do show gratitude for each other seem much more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. Yet these are successful scares, and since the film allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result proves a captivating and entertaining
