Typically, I'm over apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels mostly exhausted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Growth
One of the film's greatest strengths is its excellent rhythm. It begins with a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe this household before the tragedy struck.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main personalities prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has understandably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on Nes. This household head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two aspects: his business and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so invested in the family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film depicting viewers who each relative is, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits allowed me to connect to the personalities enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces characters only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine shock once events finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to making a sudden turn into "holy shit" territory. These introductory scenes don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough time to immerse in its world prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Origin
The film also offers a quite interesting reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although we do learn something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more time explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this affliction has on people proves absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and are practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
More impressive compared to the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Of course, we see some instances of questionable choices (as in typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a welcome realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they agree over the phone to meet up at a nearby spot. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals express appreciation toward one another feel far more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message about family or society, either. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're effective frights, and because the movie gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining
