Typically, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre feels largely exhausted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Development
Among this movie's strongest strengths is its excellent rhythm. It begins using a striking opening sequence where a calm family party gets suddenly disrupted by a vehicle plows right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family prior to the tragedy occurred.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with its main personalities prior to the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has predictably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. This household patriarch is her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two things: his business and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so invested in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime depicting viewers who each relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing traits enabled the audience to relate with the characters enough to care about their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently presents individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a real shock when things finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a Korean drama featuring slightly dark humor before making an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" ground. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to immerse in its world prior to it gets upended.
Original Infection Source
This movie also offers a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While some background is provided something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more time on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited context, the effect this condition produces on people proves utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and they're almost certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
Even better than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some instances of dubious decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like prey caught in lights while danger nears.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This causes the moments where these individuals express gratitude for each other feel far more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are successful frights, and since the film gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and entertaining
