Typically, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre feels largely depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. But, the platform's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out remarkably entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Character Development
One of this movie's strongest strengths is its superb pacing. It begins using a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted by a van plows right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the tragedy struck.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows the audience enough time to get to know the primary personalities before the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. This has predictably led to a rift between the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on her. This household patriarch is her dad, the owner of a well-known natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and he appears to care about only two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly tense.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—which might seem like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of its runtime to showing us who each family member represents, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This focus on conflicting traits allowed me to relate to the personalities enough to care about their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often introduces individuals just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine surprise once events eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to making an abrupt turn toward shocking ground. These early moments don't focus too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to immerse in the setting before it gets upended.
Unique Infection Source
The film also offers a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a recent batch of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the movie had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly elixir that appears to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this condition produces on humans proves utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and are almost guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
More impressive compared to the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some examples of dubious decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive and sharp. They also don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever heavy object they find instead of standing still like prey in headlights as death approaches.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals 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 pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters express appreciation toward one another seem much more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound message about family or community, either. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're effective scares, and because the film allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and entertaining
