For the most part, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre feels largely exhausted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Development
One of this movie's greatest assets is its excellent rhythm. It begins with a memorable opening sequence where a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted by a van plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see this household before the disaster occurred.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough time to become acquainted with the primary personalities before the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a popular natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two things: his business and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues and their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—which might seem like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of its runtime to showing us the identity of every relative represents, and how they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat for this style which frequently presents characters only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to consume, thus it's a genuine shock once events eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and various household exchanges in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama with slightly dark humor prior to making a sudden shift toward shocking ground. These introductory scenes don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in the setting before everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Origin
The film additionally presents a fairly interesting reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a new sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion that appears to contain an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this affliction produces on people is absolutely disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very convincing, and are practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
More impressive than the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of dubious decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object is available rather than standing still like prey caught in lights as death nears.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning into zombies, which was a pleasantly authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude for each other feel far more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're effective scares, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable
