Generally speaking, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre seems mostly exhausted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. But, the platform's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Character Growth
Among the film's strongest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It kicks off with a memorable opening sequence where a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted by a van crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This intense scene is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household prior to the tragedy struck.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know its main personalities prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose former best friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. This has understandably caused a rift between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on her. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and he appears to care about only two aspects: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of its runtime depicting viewers who each relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed me to connect to the personalities 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 flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before taking a sudden shift toward shocking territory. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Origin
The film additionally presents a fairly intriguing reason for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this infectious condition originates in a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion that appears to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the limited context, the impact this affliction has on people is absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and are almost guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
More impressive than the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see a few instances of questionable choices (like any typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like a deer in headlights while danger nears.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. 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 over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation for each other seem far more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep message regarding relatives or society, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. Yet these are successful scares, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable
