Generally speaking, I'm over apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Growth
Among this movie's greatest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins using a memorable opening sequence where a calm family gathering gets suddenly disrupted by a van plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household before the disaster struck.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience sufficient opportunity to get to know its main characters prior to the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household head consists of her dad, who runs a popular natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about only two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves extremely strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so invested in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked this was a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime to showing us the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to relate with the characters enough to care about their outcome—a rare feat in a genre which frequently presents individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, thus it's a genuine shock when things finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy prior to making an abrupt shift into shocking territory. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient time to immerse in its world prior to it gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Origin
This movie additionally presents a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a new sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. Although we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the film had spent a little more time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion which seems to contain a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this affliction has on people proves utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and they're practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive than the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of questionable choices (as in any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object they find rather than freezing like prey in headlights while danger approaches.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for everything! cliché frequently used in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This causes those instances when these characters express appreciation for each other seem much more sincere.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message about family or society, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're successful scares, and since the film gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and entertaining
