Typically, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre feels largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. But, the platform's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Character Growth
One of this movie's strongest assets lies in the superb rhythm. It begins using a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted when a van plows into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking stranger emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe this household prior to the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough opportunity to get to know the primary characters prior to the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a married mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he appears to care about only two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so invested with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I almost forgot this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film to showing viewers who each family member represents, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon feat for this style that often introduces individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine shock when things eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking an abrupt shift into shocking territory. These early scenes aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient opportunity to settle into its world before it gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Origin
The film also offers a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion which seems to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited background, the impact this affliction has on people is utterly disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and are almost guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
Even better than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Of course, we see some examples of dubious choices (as in typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available rather than standing still like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters do show gratitude toward one another feel far more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering scares. But they're effective scares, and since the movie allows every personality sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable
