Generally speaking, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre feels mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Pacing and Character Development
Among this movie's strongest strengths is its excellent pacing. It begins using a memorable opening sequence where a calm family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a van plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household before the disaster occurred.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience enough time to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. The family head consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two aspects: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves extremely tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film to showing us the identity of every relative is, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits allowed me to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style that often presents characters only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a real surprise when things eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and the multiple family interactions in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before making a sudden turn toward shocking ground. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough time to immerse in its world before everything gets upended.
Unique Zombification Origin
This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease stems from a recent batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the movie devoted a little more time explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the effect this affliction has on humans proves utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
More impressive compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of dubious decision-making (as in any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than freezing like a deer in headlights as death approaches.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for everything! trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close spot. But when Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing for years. 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 a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude for each other seem much more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message about family or community, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are effective frights, and since the film allows every personality sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable
