Generally speaking, I'm over apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre feels mostly exhausted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for some time. But, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Development
Among this movie's greatest assets is its excellent pacing. It begins using a striking initial scene in which a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like stranger emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is immediately followed by a look back, allowing us to observe the family prior to the tragedy occurred.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough time to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a former best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. This has understandably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on her. This household head is her dad, the owner of a popular natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely tense.
Invested in the Drama
I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot this was a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film to showing us the identity of every family member represents, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to relate to the personalities enough to care about their outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently presents characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a real surprise once events finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and various family interactions in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama featuring slightly dark comedy prior to making an abrupt turn into shocking territory. These early moments aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to settle into the setting before it gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
The film also offers a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the movie devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this condition produces on people is absolutely disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very convincing, and they're practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
Even better than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some examples of dubious decision-making (like any typical undead film), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from the "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 end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains holding onto resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another seem far more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message regarding relatives or society, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're effective frights, and since the movie allows every personality sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable
