Generally speaking, I'm over apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems largely exhausted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Character Growth
Among the film's greatest assets lies in the superb rhythm. It kicks off with a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family party is violently disrupted when a van crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is then followed by a look back, allowing us to see the family before the disaster struck.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient time to get to know its main personalities prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a married mother with a former best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. This has understandably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. This household head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two things: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot this was a horror film—which might seem like a negative, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime depicting us the identity of every relative is, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits enabled me to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often introduces characters just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a real shock when things finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama with slightly dark comedy prior to making a sudden turn into shocking territory. These introductory moments don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to immerse in the setting before everything gets upended.
Original Zombification Source
The film also offers a fairly intriguing reason for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the film devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to producing a lethal elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the effect this condition produces on people is utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear very convincing, and they're almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive compared to the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of dubious decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights as death nears.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been building over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This causes those instances where these individuals express appreciation toward one another feel much more sincere.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are successful frights, and since the movie gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable
