For the most part, I'm over apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for months. But, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Growth
Among this movie's greatest strengths lies in the superb rhythm. It begins using a striking opening sequence in which a calm family gathering is violently interrupted by a van plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household prior to the disaster struck.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly allows viewers enough opportunity to get to know the primary characters prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose former best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on her. This household head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about just two aspects: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film depicting viewers the identity of every family member represents, and how they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed me to relate to the personalities enough to care about their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style which frequently introduces individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine shock once events finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to taking an abrupt shift toward "holy shit" territory. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to settle into its world prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Origin
This movie also offers a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the movie devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of context, the impact this affliction has on people proves absolutely disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very convincing, and are almost guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see some examples of questionable choices (like any typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like prey caught in lights as death approaches.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict 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 forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also 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 spot. But when Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters express gratitude toward one another feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or society, either. Instead, it's mostly delivering scares. But they're successful scares, and because the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable
