Typically, I'm over apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems mostly depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Character Development
One of this movie's greatest assets is its excellent rhythm. It begins with a striking initial scene in which a calm family party gets suddenly disrupted when a vehicle plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like stranger emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded 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 its main personalities before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a former best friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has predictably led to a falling out among the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and who loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. This household head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just two things: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves extremely tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so invested in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot this was a horror film—which might seem like a negative, but in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film to showing viewers who each relative is, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on conflicting traits enabled me to connect to the personalities sufficiently to care about their outcome—a rare feat for this style which frequently presents individuals just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine surprise when things eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy prior to making a sudden shift into "holy shit" territory. These introductory moments don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world prior to everything gets upended.
Unique Zombification Origin
This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease stems from a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent additional time on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the effect this condition has on humans is absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very convincing, and are practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of dubious choices (as in any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with whatever blunt instrument they find rather than freezing like prey caught in lights as death approaches.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters express gratitude toward one another feel far more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are successful scares, and since the film allows every personality sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and entertaining
