For the most part, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems mostly depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 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 subvert my expectations and proved remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Development
One of the film's strongest strengths is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence where a calm family party is violently interrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household before the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience enough time to get to know its main characters prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on Nes. This household head is her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he seems to care about only two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so engrossed in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film to showing us who each relative represents, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to care about their outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently introduces individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine shock once events finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and various family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before taking a sudden turn into shocking ground. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient time to settle into the setting prior to everything gets upended.
Original Infection Origin
This movie also offers a quite intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the film devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of context, the impact this affliction has on people is utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and they're practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
Even better than the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see a few examples of questionable choices (as in any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available instead of standing still like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord when people begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic 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 apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals express appreciation toward one another feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message about family or community, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are successful frights, and since the film allows every personality sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining
