Typically, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems mostly depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for months. But, the platform's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations and proved remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Development
One of this movie's greatest strengths is its superb pacing. It begins with a memorable initial scene where a calm family party is violently disrupted when a vehicle plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This intense scene is then succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household before the tragedy struck.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary characters before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably led to a rift between the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and who loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on her. The family head consists of her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely tense.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of its runtime depicting viewers who each relative is, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities enabled me to relate to the personalities enough to care about their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently introduces individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a real shock once events finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy before taking a sudden shift into shocking territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient time to settle into the setting before it gets upended.
Unique Infection Source
This movie also offers a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the film devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion that appears to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the limited context, the effect this affliction has on humans proves utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and they're practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
Even better compared to the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of questionable decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like prey in headlights as death nears.
Believable Family Discord
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 since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another seem much more sincere.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message about family or society, either. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are successful frights, and since the movie allows every personality sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable
