Typically, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems largely depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. But, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved quite entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Growth
Among this movie's greatest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It begins using a memorable initial scene where a calm family gathering is violently disrupted when a van plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to see this household before the disaster occurred.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough time to get to know its main characters prior to the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has predictably caused a falling out between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who loves playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two aspects: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so engrossed with this household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime to showing us who each relative represents, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style which frequently introduces individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to consume, thus it's a genuine surprise once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and the multiple family interactions in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama with slightly dark humor before making a sudden shift into "holy shit" territory. These introductory moments don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient time to immerse in its world prior to everything gets upended.
Original Infection Origin
The film additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the cause for this infectious condition originates in a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the film had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the impact this condition produces on people is absolutely disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and they're practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
Even better compared to the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of questionable choices (as in any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest heavy object is available rather than standing still like prey in headlights while danger nears.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a pleasantly authentic deviation from the "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 end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments when these characters express appreciation toward one another feel far more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. But they're effective frights, and since the film allows every personality sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and entertaining
