Generally speaking, I'm over apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre feels largely depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for months. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Development
Among this movie's greatest assets is its excellent pacing. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene where a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to see the family before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly allows the audience enough time to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the carnage begins. 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 understandably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves extremely tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so engrossed in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama 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 spends a considerable portion of the film depicting viewers who each relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat in a genre that often presents individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine surprise once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to taking a sudden turn toward shocking ground. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to settle into the setting before everything gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
The film also offers a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir that appears to include an extremely infectious virus. Despite the lack of background, the impact this affliction has on humans is absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and are almost certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
More impressive than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see a few instances of questionable choices (like any any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find instead of freezing like prey in headlights while danger approaches.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord 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 pardon you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters do show appreciation toward one another seem much more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight about family or society, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're successful frights, and since the movie gives each character enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result proves a captivating and entertaining
